Members of the Art and Design department at Bury College recently enjoyed a trip to London to see their work exhibited and collect prizes at the Craft School: A Summer of Playful Making exhibition in London.

This project involved a competition open to schools and colleges across the UK and aimed to celebrate "making by young people", exploring how craft can be a tool to celebrate diverse cultures and identities.

Children aged five to sixteen explored themes of play, storytelling and empowerment through craft, with six winning projects chosen by London designer Yinka Ilori out of 100 entrants.

Back in June, we announced that Art, Design and Media student Diane Mwamikazi won the main KS4 national prize, with her whole class also recognised for their artistic efforts. 

Read more: https://burycollege.ac.uk/news/bury-college-gains-accolades-from-crafts-council-london   

Diane created a colourful and patterned miniature pavilion influenced by the clothing of her Rwandan and Congolese families.

The former Mount St Joseph Catholic School pupil was delighted with the award and said: “The event was amazing; it was great to spend the day with other artists. I am going to use my positive experiences to help me in the future. This will start with me moving on to the UAL Art and Design Level 2.”

Beverleigh Claypool, Team Leader of Level 1 and 2 Vocational Art at Bury College, said: “It has been an absolute delight teaching Diane this year, watching her grow and develop creatively, as it has been for all the UAL Level 1, Art and Design students. I wish her every success in the next step in her academic career.”

Beverleigh was also a prize winner and earned the Craft School: Yinka's Challenge Teacher's prize, she added: “I was honoured and humbled at being awarded the prize by Rosy Greenlees; to speak to Rebecca, Yinka, Chris Cox and the whole Crafts Council team. It was also a joyful and wonderful experience to see my Cinderella puppets exhibited with Diane's models, the winners for Key Stage 1-3 and with selected pieces from the Crafts Council's collection."

Our practical Art and Design courses aim to develop your creative skills so you can pursue a successful career in the dynamic world of Creative Art and Design. Click here for more information: https://burycollege.ac.uk/courses/vocational/art-and-design-level-2

Photos: Credit to David Parry at PA Media

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