Southsea school's GCSE art exhibition wows art lovers

Karen Brown, head of art at St Johns College, with GCSE art and textiles students Emily Gosling, Fiona Brown and Kit King, all aged 16

Parents, family and friends of the college were invited to view artwork and celebrate students’ talents over wine and canapés.

The exhibition brought together all the work the students have created over the past two years, allowing them to showcase their favourite pieces and exam coursework.

With the coursework brief of beach being illustrated in many different ways, this year’s event displayed a range of art and textiles work including sculptures, drawings, paintings and photographs, which students entered for their exams; many of which were inspired by the college’s seaside location and the local countryside.

Impressed visitors to the art exhibition pick out their favourite pieces

GCSE art student Edward Beeston, age 16, is a boarder at St John’s College. He said: ‘I am very pleased with my final exam piece.

‘As we could interpret the brief Beginning and / or End in any way we wanted, I decided to base my work around sunrise and sunset. I used bright colours and different styles, including batik and appliqué on two panels of fabric to track the suns journey during a single day.’

It was also an opportunity to say goodbye to the head of art at St John’s, Karen Brown. Mrs Brown is moving on to pastures new after 13 years.

She said: ‘I am really proud of our Year 11 students who have produced some outstanding pieces for this year’s exhibition.

‘I am delighted and privileged to have been part of their artistic journey and hope that they will continue to be creative.’