Cornish Pirates

16 February 2009

Having recently completed an 'Artist Experience' 10-week programme designed to give young students a taste of life as a commercial artist in West Cornwall, their impressive work has been on display at the Mariners Gallery, St. Ives.

The course was set up through the Cornish Pirates Learning Zone, with tuition provided by local artist Clive Williams.

Students from Pendeen School, St. Mary's CE Primary, Heamoor CP, Nancledra School, St. Maddern's Primary, Newlyn School, St. Levan CP and Trythall visited the Tate Gallery, St. Ives, and also attended workshops at the St. Ives School of Painting and Penzance Arts Club, where further tuition was given.

The students prepared all of the resources needed for an exhibition by photographing their work, writing a catalogue, making private view invites, and budgeting for work made.

Students also had two pieces of their work professionally framed for display in an exhibition, which was opened by the course leader John Watson.

The course was primarily art related but also had a Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT background that is essential to 'Playing for Success' programme hosted at the Cornish Pirates.

The evidence that there is abundant talent about was clear for all to see, which is perhaps not so surprising in an area that has produced many fine artists over the years. Indeed, so good were the paintings put on display, that a number immediately sold!

Kevin Jackson, Manager of the Cornish Pirates Learning Zone, commented:

"The Cornish Pirates Learning Zone staff are so proud of the outcomes of this course and how within Penwith and Cornwall the community spirit means that we can create learning programmes that extend and challenge talented students that we have within the schools.

St Ives is a haven for the art world and within this haven should always remain access for the children; after all they are the next generation of artists.

Combined with the vision of the head teachers from the above schools, we really look forward to delivering more exciting programmes in the future."