Future stars of the creative industry had their chance to shine at a VIP End of Year Show.
The talented students, from both A Level and vocational courses at Nelson and Colne College, wowed visitors, including Pendle’s Mayor and Mayoress, at this year’s stunning showcase. Judges included Lesley Turner from the gallery @ arteology, Michael Howley from Art & Soul in Padiham, local photographer Dan Olive, and Michelle Berkins from Michelle B Fashion.
The exhibition featured a diverse range of work, from textiles and photography, to film and fine art.
AS student Samuel Holmes, 17, who was exhibiting a short crime drama at the event, said: “The exhibition has been fun, and has been a very practical and creative process. I want to go into film production at one of the universities in Manchester, and tutors at NCC have helped me build skills and get some work experience with a production team.
“I definitely made the right decision coming to NCC – the facilities are the best I have seen, and I am now looking forward to next year.”
The Mayor of Pendle Coun. Rosemary Carroll added: “The standard of work was absolutely exceptional – really impressive. The College is one of the best in the country, which is excellent news for Pendle.”
Visitors to the VIP evening, which included new NCC students and parents, were treated to canapés and fizz upon arrival, before an official ribbon cutting with the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle. It also included an awards ceremony, recognising the outstanding achievements of Creative and Digital students.
Judge Lesley Turner said: “I enjoyed judging at the art exhibition. I originally did a foundation course in the 70s at NCC, and then I did another about 10 years ago – the teaching staff and the standard of work are amazing! We have a great art scene in this area, and it is good to see students being a part of it. I love Nelson and Colne College – I always have done – and I am keen to support it where I can.”
And judge Michelle Berkins, who donated two £150 prizes to her winners on the evening, said: “I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of detail the student designers had gone into – it is heart-warming to see how the students put their life and soul into their work, and it is rewarding to work alongside the college. The family of one my winners came into my shop to thank me personally, which was really touching.”
Head of Creative and Digital Morag Davis said: “The End of Year Show is one of the most highly anticipated events of the Creative and Digital calendar, and once again it has not disappointed. The exhibits produced by students from all courses are truly stunning, and it is a pleasure to see just how far the students have developed their skills, confidence and creativity. We are dedicated to not only expanding student knowledge in the classroom, but also to helping students gain and source invaluable work experience – with many now able to get their own commissions for their portfolio.
“The exhibition featured everything from outstanding photography, to a fairytale inspired installation piece, to fashion pieces. One student even used her graphics skills to produce a book cover for a piece she has written herself.
“I am, as always, exceptionally proud of the work the students have put in to making this event a success. Many of our second year students are now preparing to take their next step in their creative journey, with many securing conditional offers to universities including Leeds College of Art, University of Salford and De Montfort University – we wish them the best of luck!”
Winners of the Creative and Digital awards were:
Student of the Year
AS Fine Art: Carly Nuttall; A2 Fine Art: Elizabeth Ceplinskaite; AS Graphics: Tom McGoldrick; A2 Graphics: Andrew Cain; AS Photography: Tom McGoldrick; A2 Photography: Roman Sekowski; AS Film Studies: Samuel Holmes; A2 Film Studies: Erin Fielding; AS Media Studies: Andrew Cain; A2 Media Studies: Husnain Ali; Level 2 Art and Design: Aleena Nadeem; Level 3 Year 1 Art and Design: Hannah Calvert; Level 3 Year 2 Art and Design: Ewan Tennent; Level 3 Year 2 Photography and Media: Amy Finn; FAD: Thomas Williams
Special Awards
Overall award for fine art textiles: Jessica Warren; Overall award for printed textiles: Olivia Cambridge; Overall award for best fashion design of the year: Irteqa Asif and Ayesha Siddiqah; Overall award for graphics: Tom McGoldrick; Overall award for photography: Roman Sekowski; Overall award for the best painted piece: Amelia Ward; Overall conceptual fine art piece: Chloe Cookson; Hardest working student of the year: Billie-Jo Black
There are 2.8million jobs in the UK creative economy. For more information about enrolling onto Creative and Digital courses at NCC contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk
