Three art prizes awarded by Wolverhampton Society of Artists
Three Class of 2020 graduates from the University of Wolverhampton School of Art have been awarded prizes by the Wolverhampton Society of Artists.
The Wolverhampton Society of Artists (WSA) is an established group of professional and amateur artists who work in a wide range of styles and media with artists that are proactive locally, nationally and internationally.
The degree students, Alison Gillies, Kirsty Perkins and Sofia Fereday were each presented with a cheque for £50 each alongside Tashcen Reference Books on Fine Art, Textiles and Ceramics.
Keith Oram, President of WSA, presented the graduates with their prizes at the School of Art graduation ceremony at The Grand Theatre.
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He said: “It’s our aim to ensure that we attract new and exciting artists to the group – they are the future of our artistic community in Wolverhampton which is why we offer these prizes.
“We actually gave out prizes over 100 years ago to students in the Wolverhampton School of Art and it’s wonderful to have resurrected this practice, hopefully inspiring more young people to pursue art and engage in the long term with our group.”
Maggie Ayliffe, Head of the Wolverhampton School of Art, said: “We work with lots of art based groups and companies that support our students and graduates through the prize awards schemes during graduation.
“It’s wonderful for students to be recognised for their efforts, achievements and talents while they are studying with us and we are especially pleased that this long-standing relationship with WSA continues to flourish.”
Alison Gillies, one of the winning students studying Ceramics, said: “I’m really excited to have won this award. The University has a long heritage of offering ceramic design and has every type of kiln you can think of so that you can explore any kind of technique. The technicians, in particular, are extremely supportive. I’ve been able to explore many different techniques and getting this award has given me the confidence I needed to continue to explore that.”
Kirsty Perkins, one of the winning students studying Fashion & Textiles, said: “Studying at the University has really honed my skills. The tutors are very helpful and that encouraged me to work harder. Winning this award was a wonderful surprise and it gives me the right mindset to chase after my dreams, maybe build my solo business and it’s definitely given my confidence a boost.”
Sofia Fereday, one of the winning students studying Fine Art, said: “Painting and drawing is my specialism and I focused my final year project on drawing my grandmother after she lost my grandfather. It was a shock to find out I had won this award but it’s given me the confidence to pursue my career in more personal work.”
For more information about the WSA check out their website or contact: [email protected].
