Coleg Powys Art & Design students are currently preparing to exhibit their art, craft and design work in the college’s annual exhibition before many of them progress to study at University or gain employment locally in the Art & Design sector.

The work on display will feature painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, textiles, interior design, graphics, illustration, 3D design, costume design and mixed media works.

The exhibition will take place in the Art & Design Department at Coleg Powys Newtown on Tuesday 22nd June from 10am – 6.30pm and Wednesday 23rd June 10am – 4pm.

The department is still welcoming applicants for September 2010. For further details telephone 0845 4086 200 or visit the website at www.coleg-powys.ac.uk.

Pictured are students with some of the exhibits.

One lucky winner has won £50 in the first ever national libraries competition – Express Yourself.

Gavin Wilson who is studying Art and Design at the Newtown site of Coleg Powys has scooped £50!

Anne Jones, Coleg Powys Learning Resource Manager said “We received 25 entries in total. We had a great time in judging the entries as many made us laugh, some made us sad and some were just bizarre! We were very impressed with the overall quality of entries and I’m sure we will be using many in future campaigns.”

Anne adds “Many students may not have thought about visiting the Learning Resource Centre before but we hope this has inspired them to rethink. Can I also say a big thank you to all the staff who did a great job in promoting the competition.”

Express Yourself encouraged everyone of all ages to show off their creative talents with a generic theme of ‘libraries’. Entrants could choose from a variety of arts including creative writing, dancing, drama, music, animation, painting, photography, drawing or sculpture.

Library Services throughout Wales participated in the competition and over 1500 entries were received in total.

Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones comments, “It’s fantastic that so many people have entered – it just goes to show what a creative nation we are! I’m really looking forward to seeing the finalists work and presenting the prizes in February.”

All the local winners will now be entered into the national stages where eighteen finalists will be chosen and invited to a special awards ceremony on 25th February where they will have the chance to win £500.

A national exhibition showcasing the finalists work will go on tour from February starting at the Senedd, Cardiff.

The Express Yourself competition forms part of the national marketing campaign for libraries in Wales. It forms a central part of Libraries for Life, the Welsh Assembly Government’s strategy for libraries in Wales.

For more details on the competition please visit http://library.wales.org/artscomp/ or telephone Anne Jones on 0845 4086 227.

An exhibition of art is being shown at Brecon town library throughout this month.  On show is the work of students from three adult classes; at Coleg Powys in Brecon, Hay-on-Wye and Llangorse.  They are taught by Michael Eisele.

If you are interested in joining an art class or would like information on the adult courses that Coleg Powys offers at its sites and at community venues telephone 0845 4086 400, email enquiries@coleg-powys.ac.uk or visit our website at www.coleg-powys.ac.uk.

Amy Jane Richards

Amy Jane Richards, an NVQ Level 3 Business & Administration student from Coleg Powys in Llandrindod Wells, has demonstrated that staying power and motivation can pay off.

Course Tutor Sharon Hammond said: “When Amy first started at college and during her level 2 qualification she was very sloppy in her work and attitude. She lacked motivation, but I have seen her make such a change in her approach to the course over the past twelve months. She now has the drive to succeed and has excellent feedback from her work placement.”

Amy has found that the course has been beneficial to her gaining realistic experience and knowledge of business. She said: “The course has given me practical experience of administration work in the department’s Office Services team and on work placement. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people whilst gaining the qualifications and skills I need to progress my career, I’ve also done a month’s work placement with Powys Local Health Board.”

Joshua Gregory

Joshua Gregory is a BTEC National Diploma Art & Design student, who has overcome difficult circumstances compared to those of his counterparts in order to complete his studies.

Course Tutor, Rob Loupart said: “A year ago it seemed unlikely that Joshua would progress to Uni, but he has now successfully secured a place.”

Joshua explained: “Through my two years at Coleg Powys I had to support myself as my family moved away but I had already started on my course, this meant earning money and paying bills as well as studying. This caused many stresses in which the tutors and students around me were very supportive and considerate. I had a lot of help off the college with money as I sometimes struggled a lot - I qualified for an EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) which allowed me to buy my college equipment. There were many good things about studying at Coleg Powys, like meeting mew people, having all the facilities when needed but most of all knowing you are achieving.”

Joshua is now planning to go to Wolverhampton University to study Illustration and hopefully move on from there to become a freelance illustrator or games designer.