Ten Priestley College art students are exhibiting at one of the UK’s most prestigious galleries this summer.
The students are showcasing their large-scale paintings at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery as part of the Schools and Colleges Summer Season Exhibition – the second consecutive year Priestley work has been chosen.
Art teacher Wendy Moore said: “To have our students exhibiting at the Walker for a second consecutive year is a fantastic achievement and recognition of the quality of work they are producing.
“Exhibiting in the same space as artists who have inspired and influenced their own creative development is an incredibly powerful experience. It allows students to see themselves as practising artists while celebrating the creativity, commitment and personal growth that has shaped their work.”
The students selected to exhibit are Dominika Matviienko, Melany Kovacs, Autumn Malpus, Dominic Kahn, Eleanor Pearce, Katie McGuire, Ethan Forster, Liliana Keating, Evie Steele and Timea Herdlicska.
Their work represents the culmination of an in-depth creative journey, inspired by people, places, personal experiences, influential artists and visits to the Walker Art Gallery itself.
Through extensive research and experimentation across a range of media, including drawing, etching and painting, the students have developed a diverse collection of highly personal artworks.
The exhibition is the latest chapter in an increasingly strong relationship between Priestley College and the Walker Art Gallery.
Earlier this summer, the gallery funded a visit for first-year A-Level Fine Art students, including coach travel and three workshops within the gallery, enabling them to gather first-hand research and produce observational drawings for their Personal Investigation coursework.
Students have also benefited from careers guidance delivered by members of the Walker’s team, Bethany Fairey and Jacob Sruce, who visited the College to talk about careers within the arts and heritage sector.
In another exciting opportunity, second-year student Dominika Matviienko was selected to undertake a week of work experience with the Learning Team at National Museums Liverpool, gaining valuable insight into museum education and gallery practice.
Wendy added: “These opportunities are invaluable. They give our students a genuine understanding of the creative industries while helping them build confidence, develop professionally and raise their aspirations for the future.”
The continuing partnership with the Walker Art Gallery is providing Priestley students with experiences that extend far beyond the classroom, combining creative inspiration with professional opportunities and helping prepare the next generation of artists for higher education and careers in the creative sector.
The exhibition is open to the public until Sunday 30 August, giving visitors the opportunity to view the students’ work alongside one of the country’s finest collections of art.
