Talented students have added a splash of colour to a former retail unit in Sailmakers shopping centre with an exhibition of art work.
Bosses at the complex have teamed up with Suffolk One to deliver the gallery, which they say is providing a welcome diversion for customers.
It’s an exciting concept and great opportunity for the students, according to art and design teacher Rhiannon Blackman.
“It’s wonderful for them to have the opportunity to see their work on display in front of a wider audience,” she added.
“Last year Sailmakers staged a very successful showing of photography by our students and we’re delighted to be able to build on that.
“We are already planning a second exhibition of paintings later in the year entitled ‘Land and Sea’ which is very appropriate for Suffolk and which follows a visit by the students to Felixstowe.”
Many of the works on display are part of the students’ coursework – and among the artists is 16-year-old Jasmine Catling from Worlingworth.
“It’s really exciting to be able to display my work in public like this,” she said.
“I have four pieces in the exhibition, working with fabrics as I’m doing an A-level in textiles which is a great course and I’m really enjoying it.
“I am interested in fashion and do a lot of sewing and making my own clothes.”
Artwork created by Dylan Cant, 17, from Felixstowe, and Holly Bruce, 17, from Mistey, in Essex, is also featured.
Mr Cant is studying for a B-Tech Level Three in art and said: “It’s amazing to have your work on display in public.
“It just looks so different when it’s part of an exhibition and it’s very inspiring.
“I have three different pieces on show and I’d like to use my artistic skills to go into graphic design.”
Meanwhile, Miss Bruce added: “I’ve never had anything like this before so it’s a really good opportunity for us.
“The course finishes next summer and I would like to go to university and do art for video games.”
Sailmakers manager Mike Sorhaindo hailed the exhibition a great success.
He added: “It’s brilliant that we are able to showcase the work of such a talented group of young people.
“There is so much good work that goes on in our schools and colleges and much of it is hardly ever seen by the public so we wanted to give the public the chance to see just how gifted the students are.
“It underlines our commitment to the local community and it adds another dimension to the average shopping trip so we plan to hold more such exhibitions and would be keen to hear from other local schools and organisations interested in displaying their work.”
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