The Strode College End of Year Arts, Design and Media Show opened on Monday evening, showcasing the creativity, quality and innovation that is nurtured on the College's arts and media courses.
The show began with an awards ceremony to celebrate excellence in painting and drawing, sculpture, graphics, textiles, photography, animation, film and video. Strode's Principal James Staniforth presented certificates and cheques for £100 to six students and announced that one piece of their work will be bought by the College and added to the 'Strode Collection'.
The diverse and inspiring show has been put together by 150 of Strode's creative arts, design and media students. It is open to the public until Wednesday 22 June between 9.15am and 4.30pm (closed at the weekend). Work is displayed around the College and in Strode Theatre with maps available from the College reception.
Students exhibiting will be completing courses this summer in A level Art, Graphics, Textiles and Photography, Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, National Diploma year 2 Art and Design, pre-degree Foundation in Art and Design and National Diploma Year 2 Broadcast Media.
Petrina Rochester, Deputy Head of Art and Design at Strode said: "Creative arts and media courses are a strong and vibrant area of study at Strode and the quality of work on display rivals that of specialist art colleges and many university level institutions. We have excellent staff and facilities and we work hard with our students to make sure they get the most out of their time with us.
"They have produced some outstanding work which shows intelligence and creativity and which meets the high standards we set for quality and excellence in all we do. The End of Year Show is a celebration of what they have achieved as they prepare to move on, many to Higher Education. Our thanks go to GVA Grimley who sponsor this annual event enabling us to show the students work in the best possible light."
Art Foundation student and course representative Stephen Fuller said: 'Studying Art Foundation at Strode College has been the best decision I've made so far in my academic career, allowing the growth of my development post A level and a greater diversity in my practice. The end of year show is the perfect opportunity to exhibit my work alongside my peers and celebrate the high standards we have achieved in one year'.
Strode arts and media students consistently achieve high academic standards. Many have gone on to study at some of the countries top institutions for arts and media education, including Goldsmiths University of London, Central St Martins, the London College of Fashion and University College Falmouth.
Mike Fryer, Director of Building Consultancy GVA Grimley who sponsor the show, attended the private view and awards ceremony on Monday evening, along with staff, students and family and friends.
