A Fantastic Art Trip to Cornwall for our 4th Form Artists

On Sunday 2^nd June, eleven 4^th Form artists and two teachers left school for three days of art, theatre, local culture and Cornish scenery.

We departed at 9 am with everyone in high spirits despite the rain that followed us on our journey. This turned out to be a blessing as we arrived at St Ives the blue skies started to appear and after a quick bag drop off to the hostel, we explored the Barbara Hepworth Museum where the sculptor lived and died. The guided tour described Barbara’s way of working, her influences and the materials she used. Afterwards, we visited Tate St Ives which had a variety of mediums or art. Our artists were encouraged to sketch and annotate personal responses to artwork they were interested in. It was then time to get their wetsuits on and experience some Cornish waves. There was lot’s of laughter and splashing in the sea before drying off for a warming hot chocolate. This fun packed day finished with a Pizza Express meal and evening stroll on the beach.

Monday was a full morning and afternoon print workshop with local artist Rachel Kantaris. The artists explored monoprinting onto fabric with floral designs which links to their current textile project this term. They enjoyed experiencing working in Portmeor Print Studios, using their space and equipment to inspire their creativity. The sun shone throughout the day so our artists enjoyed free time for lunch in St Ives and before supper they enjoyed a final splash in the sea. Supper was at a traditional fish and chip restaurant before the group headed to Porthcurno to the cliff side Minack Theatre to enjoy Shakespeare's 'Alls Well That Ends Well'. The production was full of audience participation, comedy, singing and dancing with a sprinkling of Cornish rain.

Tuesday saw the return of rain which was a shame to have on our final day. It was planned to be a day of recording work for the artists which meant we just dashed to shelter as quickly as we could. We left the hostel at 9 am to head to the Penzance where the Penlee Gallery exhibits the work of the Newlyn artist group. The Newlyn artists are known for painting their models generally outside in the landscapes getting along with their everyday life. As the rain continued we decided to change our plans and visit extra galleries. The Art Exchange in Penzance had two exhibitions, a cameraless photographs of flowers, and a surfing theme where they looked into the art of making surf boards and photographs of surfers. The rain then started to clear on our way to Tremenheer sculpture and gallery park where the artists saw mixed media portrait work from Jesse Leroy Smith. Finally the rain stopped which enabled the group to climb to the top of St Michael's Mount to take in the dramatic views looking out to the sea and to Penzance. The walk back to shore was fun due to the tide coming in and the walkway back to land quickly became almost knee deep in water making a memorable and last dip in the sea before heading back onto the bus for our journey back to Bruton.

Sandra Ling - Art Technician