West Suffolk College staff put on free art exhibition at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds
A total of 27 staff from West Suffolk College have created a free art exhibition in Bury St Edmunds.
Taking place at the Apex until May 20, Infinite Echoes showcases an eclectic display of work. What unites all those involved is that they all work for the Eastern Education Group.
One of the organisers Craig Bloomfield, course director for foundation art and design at West Suffolk College, is hoping the exhibition will inspire people of all ages to think about taking up art.
He said: “There is lots of amazing work and we have all thrown ourselves into this. It’s varied, contemporary and to a really high standard.
“I think it’s important to put yourself out there. It hopefully inspires current students and might encourage new ones to sign up for courses when they see the talent that we have here at the college.”
Natalie Lipscomb, course director and advanced practitioner in art at West Suffolk College, also helped set up the exhibition.
She said: “We wanted to show what we do as teachers. The exhibition gives people a chance to take a look behind the curtain of what we are about as artists.
“This idea is quite in tune with my work on display, which has been inspired by The Wizard of Oz. I loved escaping to the world of Oz when I was younger. It’s given me a need to explore. It is nice to push ourselves and share our work with the world and there is a lot of talent on display.”
Emily Streatfield, an art and design lecturer and Go Green Networking co-ordinator at the college, said: “I have created a range of prints based on the juxtaposition between what makes me relax and what makes me stressed.
“We are all practising artists outside of work so it’s good for us to have a purpose and a reason and put ourselves out there. We are such a diverse team with so many different styles.”
Nicole Beatty, a course director of level two digital arts at West Suffolk College, said: “I have three pieces of work that explore my love of wild swimming.
“It’s great that we have all come together as colleagues and its good for students to see that they are being taught by creative people who are working in the industry.”
Derek Johnson, director of art and design at the college, said: “It’s unusual for art teams in colleges to do this. Lots of work has gone into this, it’s unified the team, anyone can come and see this work for free and I’m sure people will enjoy it. Hopefully it inspires current and future students in some way.”
