HND Art students launch virtual art exhibition 'With you in Mind'

HND Applied Art and Fine Art students have worked collaboratively to produce an online exhibition as part of their assessment. The group of seven students were inspired by mental health charity Mind, who campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health issues. The art department at college has a close relationship with the local branch of Mind charity, where historically, students have produced work linking to the ethos of the charity. Students were keen to represent how the Mind charity supports its users, particularly at a time when mental health issues have been escalated by the pandemic, focussing on themes of healing, hope and empowerment. Ceri Porter-Jones, a HND Applied Art student says, All of the research, sketchbooks and art work undertaken has been done at home by all of us. We have had set days where we have been able to book appointments to collect materials from college. We have met twice a week via Zoom to share ideas, progress, techniques and not forgetting the social element, which has been vital in lockdown. The students have a variety of career goals and are looking forward to using the valuable skills built on the course. Ceri says, We have a number of students who are progressing on to university, others are setting up home studios, and hope to sell work online. The course has been invaluable in developing skills with a range of materials that we have been unfamiliar with, and maybe wouldn't have had the opportunity to explore otherwise. Ceri adds, Although it has been difficult for everyone, we have all supported one another throughout; both tutors and students. The tutors are very highly skilled and knowledgeable and have worked particularly hard to continue to deliver a high level course during such unprecedented conditions. Curriculum Manager Ben Brady says, Despite the challenges of lockdown, the HND students have embraced the opportunity to work collaboratively, culminating in this fantastic online exhibition. Visit the HND virtual art exhibition here.