ART students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work in London later this year following a successful exhibition.

A five-day ‘Art & Design’ exhibition at Penzance School of Art has seen The Art Society West Cornwall present awards to students.

Students from Penwith College descended on the college’s Penzance School of Art on Morrab Road, to showcase their work from the academic year.

Such was the quality of the work, several students showcasing their creative talents were able to sell their pieces to paying customers before embarking on their exciting futures in the art and design industry.

The exhibition, entitled ‘Illumination’, included work from students of all ages including; painting, drawing, printmaking, graphic design, photography, ceramics, pottery, sculpture, textiles, wood carving and jewellery.

Visitors exploring the exhibition experienced a journey through Penwith College’s entire art and design offer, crafted by 16 to 18 year old students and adult learners from courses such as A levels, extended diplomas, university level, foundation studies and part-time leisure courses.

The exhibition opened exclusively on Tuesday evening for a private view and awards ceremony that saw students recognised, not only for the quality and expertise in their finished pieces, but also celebrated their journey as creatives.

The private view welcomed local dignitaries to the exhibition, as well as The Arts Society West Cornwall. The leading arts education charity formally congratulated and awarded the coveted Emerging Artist Award 2024 to former Humphry Davy student, Brodie, for her remarkable work while studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art, Design & Communication.

Brodie’s award will be displayed at the college as a testament to her thought-provoking work and to inspire students as she now embarks on her artistic career.

The Art Society West Cornwall also awarded several runner-up and highly commended prizes at the Private View due to the high standard of work being produced across the college. These students will have the opportunity to enter their work into an Art Society competition and be considered to feature their work at the Mall Gallery in London later this year.

Associate director for vocational studies at the college, Ben Evans, reflected on his experience walking through the exhibition and said: “I was struck as I came in and looked around the Exhibition by the quality of the work, it really is outstanding. The skills that creative students develop whilst doing these courses can’t be underestimated and are so important, not just for future employment, but for society generally and engaging with our communities.”

The college’s Martin Ockwell Art Prize was awarded to 18-year-old Jacob for his incredible 3D printed project, ‘Soundwaves’ in the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art, Design & Communication which will boost his application to study a degree in Sustainable Product Design at University.