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Smithdon High School

Talent on display at art exhibition

Young artists from our school are showcasing their talents this month at a free exhibition which is taking place at St George’s Guildhall Galleries in King’s Lynn.

Open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 3pm throughout November, the Odyssey Exhibition features the artwork of secondary school students from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust, including Springwood High School in King’s Lynn, Smithdon High School in Hunstanton, Marshland High School in West Walton, and St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement.

Over 60 Year 11 and Year 13 students are exhibiting their creative work, which encompasses a wide range of media from paintings and drawing, to sculpture, digital art and photography.

“There is no specific theme, but students respond from a range of starting points for their exam and coursework projects and build this into their own style and practice,” said Lee Eveson, who is Head of Art and Photography at Springwood, and organised and curated the exhibition with the help of WNAT Head of Art Phil Bennell.

“Even as a 50-year-old artist and teacher, every painting that you start is an adventure. Sometimes it’s a trial of wits between you and the artwork, and, as a creative, you are always evolving. For this reason, I thought Odyssey was an apt name for the exhibition.”

It is Mr Eveson’s tenth year of running the event, which often welcomes 500 visitors through its doors over the course of the month.

“We have been lucky enough to work with King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council and supported by Norfolk Museum Service and Alive Sports in doing this,” he continued. “They have been amazing, and offered us the building free of any charges, which I can’t thank them enough for.

“This exhibition shows students what their work looks like in a professional setting. It raises aspirations, confidence and contribution to the creative arts.”

“The creative arts is the second biggest economic provider in the UK,” he added. “Creative industries are such an important part of our education system and society. We are very lucky to receive the support we do from our Senior Leadership Teams and the community as a whole.

“I feel very lucky to be an art teacher here, not only because of this, but because we have outstanding students at our schools.”

The WNAT ‘Odyssey’ Art Exhibition is open 11am to 3pm, Thursday to Saturday, throughout November at St George’s Guildhall Galleries.