Double Billing for Students

The Faculty of Arts, Media and Publishing say ‘There’s nothing Childish about the work that will be on display this coming week’ at Canterbury College, where students will be meeting and working alongside the renowned artist and showman Billy Childish.

A cult figure in America, Europe and Japan, Billy Childish is by far the most prolific painter, poet, and song-writer of his generation, as well as a renowned dyslexic.  Billy will be spending the day with Art & Design Students on the 25 June, giving them an insight into his work and achievements as a contemporary, working Artist.  Taking time with individuals during a print making session, Billy hopes to give inspiration and motivation to students, encouraging them to aim higher and follow their creative goals.

Meanwhile, students of all levels in Art & Design will be exhibiting an extravaganza of diverse contemporary art works, demonstrating talents in illustration, sculpture, painting, textiles, print making, photography, architecture, interior design, jewellery, shoe design, theatre & costume design and graphic design.

With around 200 exhibition boards, the interactive event is designed to appeal to all ages and interests, from installations of site specific art to hand printing.  Over 300 primary school children will be visiting the show, armed with Activity Packs specially designed for the occasion. 

The fun pack includes information on the arts, word puzzles, a drawing competition and how to create your very own thumb print character.  Pupils will have the opportunity to add their characters to a huge canvas to help create a unique piece of art to mark the event. The creator and designer of the pack is Natasha Hughes, a second year National Diploma Graphic Design student.

Sam Isted, who is also a second year National Diploma Graphic Design Student, has taken his work and the exhibition one step further, with his photographic material being displayed in ‘Fenwicks’ window this week.

Sam’s photo’s feature work created by Fashion students, who are following a joint course in Business.  The Fashion students took inspiration from the natural world and produced themed project work on Feathers, Fur & Skin.  All garments and accessories focused on ethical fashion, with all replications being both ethically and ecologically sound.

The exhibition will also include work from “Live Projects” which play a fundamental role in students’ education.  Mark Howland, Head of Art & Design describes Live Projects as a little like ‘Dragons Den’.  Working in pairs, the students present tenders for commissioned work to a development committee, altering their ideas in accordance to the committees’ responses. 

Mark says “This style of assignment means we are taking education out of the traditional classroom context, and into the working environment.  This type of process broadens students understanding of the real work an artist goes through, whilst strengthening relevant, related skills such as communication, budgeting and working to deadlines; skills employers say prospective workers need”.

The exhibition is Free and Open to the Public.  It runs from 10am to 4pm, 23 - 26 June 2008, at Canterbury College, New Dover Road.  Please note that some exhibits may hold warning content labels, due to the contemporary nature of some work displayed.