A new exhibition celebrates the work of our talented young art students.
The Arts Society Cumbria exhibition at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake marks a return to normal life as this annual event resumes after three years lost to the Covid pandemic.
The exhibition celebrates the achievements of A-Level art students from schools in north Cumbria: Cockermouth School, Keswick School, Appleby Grammar School, Austin Friars Independent School in Carlisle, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Penrith, Ullswater Community College, Penrith and the James Rennie School for Special Needs in Carlisle.
In addition to oils, watercolours, drawings, monoprints and photographs, there are works executed in felt or stitched using textiles.
At the opening, Mayor of Keswick Steve Harwood thanked the co-ordinator of the exhibition Ann O’Donovan.
Mr Harwood, who has a keen interest in the arts, was invited to select - from the many accomplished works on show - three that appealed to him most.
The artworks chosen were by Sienna Panting, Millie Beatty, both from Cockermouth School, and Lun Tan, from Austin Friars.
According to Sienna Panting, her striking oil portrait explores her own anxieties and feelings. Millie Beatty’s atmospheric painting of an empty Cockermouth Market Place with a solitary figure may have been inspired by the cityscapes of Edward Hopper.
A group of photographs by Lun Tan appeal by their exotic locations: the streets of Mongolia.
"The A-Level syllabus’ theme of mind and body allowed for a wide variety of subjects to be represented: portraits, preoccupations with body images, imaginary scenes echoing life experiences, as well as landscapes and still lifes," said Ms O'Donovan.
“We are delighted to collaborate with schools in North Cumbria in promoting young artists.
“We are lucky to have such dedicated art teachers in our schools. We are also very grateful to the Theatre by the Lake for donating their gallery space to this exhibition.”
Access to the exhibition is free. The current display ends on August 15. The exhibition re-opens on August 17 with GCSE artwork and ends on September 12.
The Theatre is open Tuesday to Friday (12 – 4pm, 5.30 – 7.30pm). It is also open on Saturdays (4 – 7.30pm). The gallery is on the mezzanine floor.
The Arts Society Cumbria is a member of The Arts Society, a leading arts education charity with a global network of 385 local societies, which brings people together through a shared enjoyment of the arts.
The society organises lectures, study days, trips and social events as well as arts and heritage volunteering. Its members come from all over North Cumbria and further afield. The Society welcomes new members and can be contacted by email at theartssocietycumbria@gmail.com.
Festival park plans shelved: https://www.timesandstar.co.uk/news/20294609.cockermouth-council-opposed-festival-plans-town-park/
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