Young artists display their Manchester Cityscapes

An example of one of the students’ Manchester Cityscapes

Over 100 first year students studying art courses at Hopwood Hall College treated Rochdale residents to a free exhibition of their art work.

The end of year show was the culmination of the art students’ work over the past year. Every art student was given the chance to display a snapshot of their individual portfolios which covered all four floors of the Rochdale campus.

As part of the exhibition, which ran for one week, the students held an Open Evening to parents, local residents and senior College staff.

The theme for the evening display was ‘Cityscape’. The students made two research visits to Manchester and went on to explore their theme in drawing, paint, print, ceramics and sculpture.

The results were exciting and satisfying as students brought all the skills learned throughout their first year to bear.

The reaction of the viewing public was extremely positive and the students were delighted to see so many of the College’s senior staff circulating and engaging with them and enjoying their work.

At the end of the show, Principal, Derek O’Toole said: “I would like to both thank and congratulate colleagues and students on the excellent show.

“There was some wonderful work on display showcasing the talents of our learners and the skills of our tutors.

“I look forward to this event becoming a key date in Rochdale’s ‘cultural calendar’”

The College has had a number of young artists through its doors recently who have moved on to higher education, including Rebecca Cadman who has secured a place at Lancaster University to study Fine Art.

Additionally, 18 year old Amie Robertson has earned a place at the prestigious St. Martins fashion college, London. This was her ambition from leaving school and she hopes one day to have her own design label.

Art Curriculum Leader John Binns was delighted with the achievements of the students: “They have put their markers down for the quality we will now expect - watch this space.”