Arts Volunteering
Arts Volunteering (previously known as Young Arts) now encompasses all aspects of art in the community. We endeavour to provide opportunities for participation in the arts whether in art, music or theatre projects.
As we have always done, this might be working with, and providing opportunities for, children and young people to develop a life-long enthusiasm for the arts.
We now aim to reach out to other groups in the community. This may include working with and supporting the elderly or disadvantaged or on community based projects.
“The belief that the arts have the potential to enrich peoples’ lives is at the heart of everything we do” … The Arts Society
Arts Volunteering 2021 – Hannah Smith
Hannah received her award from Chairman of The Arts Society RLS, Shaun Pitt, with Edwina McConville, Secretary for Arts Volunteering. At the end of June, Shaun Pitt and Edwina McConville presented a certificate and cheque to Hannah Smith, who was nominated the best Art Foundation Year student in Warwickshire College for 2020-2021. Hannah showed her portfolio of fashion drawings, with items designed specifically for disabled people. In the autumn, Hannah will begin a course in fashion design at Central St Martins, which accepts very few students on this particular course.
Receiving the award Hannah said, “My fashion focuses on where disabled people fit in fashion, as there is certainly a lack of visibility for disabled people in the industry. I’ve wanted to go for Central St Martins for years and it’s a real dream for me. The bursary from the Arts Society will help me when I get there”.
Arts Volunteering 2020 – Cara Stephen
Cara received her award, socially distanced, at Jephson Gardens from Chairman of The Arts Society RLS, Shaun Pitt. Many congratulations to Cara Stephen on being awarded The Arts Society RLS annual Bursary for best Foundation Year Student 2020 at Warwickshire College.
Cara will begin her architecture course at the beginning of October at Central St Martin’s.
Young Arts 2019 – Jem Crook
Jem Crook, with Edwina McConville and Shaun Pitt from The Arts Society Royal Leamington Spa Jem Crook – the recipient of our 2019 Bursary Award at Warwickshire College.
Jem is one of only 40 entrants admitted to The Slade this year. A fellow student from Warwickshire College has also begun to study at The Slade. This is indicative of the excellent tuition and encouragement that the Foundation Students receive at the college.
Congratulations Jem!
Young Arts – Spring 2019
A children’s art competition for all primary schools in Leamington was organised in collaboration with Leamington Art Gallery. The theme “Spring”, was chosen to celebrate the reopening of the Pump Room Gardens.
The children used found materials for their art work which was later exhibited at the entrance to the Art Gallery.
Prizes were awarded to the three schools which had participated and the children received certificates.
Young Arts 2018 – Sophie Ryan
Sophie Ryan with Edwina McConville and Shaun Pitt from The Arts Society Royal Leamington Spa Sophie Ryan was our 2018 Bursary Award winner at Warwickshire College.
Sophie impressed us with the commitment she showed to her work and the quality of the work in her portfolio.
Sophie is now studying fashion at Manchester School of Art.
Round Oak School
At the beginning of December 2017, Round Oak School saw the unveiling of a colourful, new piece of art work in the school’s entrance hall. It was made by over 100 pupils working with textile artist Jacqui Smithson.
Jacqui worked with groups of children over four days, teaching them about the history of felt and how to make it using Merino wool, silks and threads. Inspired by the environment around them and by the name of the school, the felt was formed into leaves, acorns and twigs. This project was particularly appropriate for the pupils who have learning difficulties ranging from moderate to severe. They were encouraged to talk about the materials as they enjoyed the tactile experience.
We were very fortunate that we were able to obtain a grant from the Patricia Fay Memorial Fund towards the project, the balance being met by our Society.
Bursary Award Winner – 2017
We were very pleased to award The Arts’ Society, Royal Leamington Spa Bursary Award for 2017 to Romany Cavalla.
This is an annual award that is given to the best student at Warwickshire College.
Romany impressed us and her tutors at the college; she was a very dedicated and hard-working student. Romany based much of her work on the human body. She is now studying fine art at Brighton.
Congratulations!
As previously mentioned, Rosie Taylor, a Year 13 ‘A’- level student (2016) from North Leamington School was a finalist in the ‘Make your Mark’ competition. This was organised by the West Midlands Area to coincide with the national AGM which was held in Birmingham in May 2017.All the work of the finalists was of a very high standard. We were therefore very pleased that Rosie was awarded 3rd prize.
