Fantastic results for art students


An art exhibition at Bedford’s own South Bank Centre and Gallery showcases the talent of students from Bedford College’s award winning Creative Arts and Media courses.


The exhibition is open to the public until 24 June and gives visitors the chance to dip into the pool of creative talent on their doorstep, where students are forming creative careers which shape the way we live.


This year students have received a record number of national awards that recognise the creative talent of staff and students at Bedford College.  With thousands of entries for each competition from students across the country, the Bedford College students are delighted to have their talent applauded.  


Award winners:


DESIGN AGAINST FUR poster competition


Steven Ridgeon  Danny Simpson


First prize to Steven Ridgeon (above left) with a special commendation to Danny Simpson (above right), studying National Diploma Graphic Design Yr 2


(1)    Steven Ridgeon, of Bedford, said “The fact that I’d won didn’t really sink in until I got home.  I couldn’t believe it especially as there were thousands of entries.  I want to be a graphic designer and like the idea of advertising.”


Winning students and tutors are invited to attend a prize presentation on 19 September at the Dreamspace gallery in London where their work will be exhibited.


YCN (Young Creatives Award) 


Four students, making up two creative teams, won YCN Awards.


TUBORG BEER 

(Develop ideas that will build the awareness and understanding of the Tuborg brand based on the theme, “Live Unleashed”)


Tuborg


Lizzy Dent & Lloyd Cook - studying HND Graphics Year 2


(2)    Lizzy Dent, of Bedford, said “We were quite confident about our work and we made sure we pushed our idea to the edge of possibility.   When we realised we’d won it was a shock but we did work really hard for it.”


(3)    Lloyd Cook, of Luton said: “We were surprised to win such a big competition but it was cool.  A lot of effort went into the competition entry.”


FEDRIGONI


Fedrigoni


(Bring Fedrigoni’s versatile range of papers to life to ensure they’re the paper of choice for existing and new customers)


Tom Richards and Sam Chesney - studying HND Graphics Year 1


(4)    Tom Richards, of Putnoe, said: “When I heard I’d won I felt all the hard work had paid off.  We had put a lot of effort into this.  I plan to continue studying at Bedford College and then either go on to University or get a job in graphic design.”


Winning students and tutors are invited to a presentation dinner in London in September and will have their work featured in the YCN Annual and web site.


Career success:


(5)    Ben Barlow, of Kempston, joined Bedford College to follow his passion of photography, after working in retail for a number of years.  Whilst studying National Diploma in Fine Art and Photography he applied for a job with Venture Photography in Milton Keynes.  They were impressed with his work and he has now been working with them for the last 3 months as a Trainee Photographer specializing in family groups and lifestyle photography.


He says:  “I like the job that involves meeting new people and families every day.  I feel privileged to work with Venture Photography and would not want any other job.  The career opportunities are huge and I am learning every day.  Some of the best images are captured out of the moment when people are relaxed.”  


On the opening night of the exhibition students and staff mingled with visitors and invited guests to talk about their innovative ideas for art across a wide spectrum from fine art and sculpture to graphic design and animation.


Sue Blackman (Director for Arts and Sixth Form at Bedford College) presented commendations to students and said:


“We are rich in talented staff and students at Bedford College and this year that is clearly recognized in the national awards made to our students.  We were competing with the top UK universities in the YCN awards and only four of these won more awards than Bedford College. This provides testimony of the high quality of creativity our students develop on our higher education courses. It is a mark of their talent, hard work and dedication to achieve their full potential and the results can be seen here at the Summer Exhibition.  The work on display is of an extremely high and professional standard.


It is our aim to support students to the highest level to ensure they have a clear advantage in progression to employment and higher education. This exhibition is a celebration of their achievements and the strong working relationship between students, staff and the industry.”