Art Exhibition 

Matisse once said “Creativity takes courage”, and we in the Art department at High Storrs aim to consistently celebrate the courage, determination and, for lack of better words, sheer grit of our students. For us, there is no better way to do this than with our annual GCSE Exhibition. 

As most other subjects are gearing up for their exams, our Art students are on the final stretch of their creative marathon. Since September they have been industriously working on their coursework, researching and analysing artists, taking photographs, creating studies, working and re-working pieces, constantly reviewing, refining and developing their skills and ideas. All before undertaking an exam project from January to April. Currently, they’re putting the finishing touches to their 10 hour final pieces; and I must say, they’re looking great! 

Any parent reading this, or even a family friend who knows someone whose child has completed their GCSE in Art, knows how much work there is to be done. 9 intensive months have led to this moment. The culmination of all the hard work is here, and what’s so great is that we can all see it. And by all, we mean ALL. Friends, family, members of the public, Art enthusiasts… you are welcome to attend and see the fantastic range of work that has been produced and created by our very talented students. 

There’s paintings, drawings, photography, textiles, so much eye candy to be viewed, and something for everyone to enjoy. Over 100 students have worked tirelessly, to put on a fantastic show. Every year our exhibition gets bigger, better and more ambitious. The quality of work is truly fantastic, and I’m not just saying that because I’m one of the teachers. I genuinely believe that we are fortunate enough to work with some of the most creative and imaginative young people in the city. In a subject that is often thought of as ‘soft’, it is always exciting to see the how much work has been generated by these brilliant Artists, as well as testament to their commitment, work ethic and passion. For some, this will be the start of their creative future life. We have seen many former students have further success at A-level, and then on to high education to study; architecture, graphic design, textile design, web development, fine art, costume design and much more. When considering the ‘worth’ of having a creative career, sometimes people often have the misconception that there’s no money to be made in pursuing this path. However, creative industries last year were responsible for contributing almost £90bn to the UK’s economy, and account for 1 in 11 jobs. So do what you love, and do it well. Even the former President Barack Obama knows that "The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create." It’s exciting to think that in a few years’ time, some of these students could be adding to this statistic, and it all started here! But let me get back on track.

From 6pm on Thursday the 27th April, our doors will be open for the one night extravaganza that is our exhibition. Some of you will have already received invitations in the post, so put the date in your diary! Bring grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. You won’t be disappointed. However, if you can’t attend on the night, it will all be there for you all to see on the new official High Storrs Instagram account the very next day (search for highstorrssheffield). Please come along and support our students and celebrate all that they have achieved. Also, just think of all the money you’ll save not having to travel to London to get your fix of culture for the year.