Art in the Garden, the renowned outdoor exhibition held at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, has provided creative inspiration for Harrow Way Community School’s Year 10 GCSE and BTEC (First Award Art and Design) students.
Now in its 15th year, Art in the Garden is one of the largest sculpture exhibitions in the country with 100 sculptures displayed in the unique outdoor setting of the world famous gardens.
The visit, part of a Natural Forms project, enabled the students to enjoy the artwork on display in the garden. Whilst within such beautiful surroundings the young artists photographed and sketched a number of natural forms found within the gardens and created a weaving out of collected fallen materials.
Chrissy Collins, Curriculum Leader for Art said: “Part of today’s trip was to encourage the students to reflect on how their initial response to a piece can change once they have considered the artist’s intention and what was being portrayed in their work. This is an important lesson for young artists which sees them engage with artwork and interpret and evaluate the meaning of a piece in order to go beyond their initial subjective reaction.”
Art in the Garden is considered one of the most exciting outdoor exhibitions in the country displaying the work of 47 artists. Some are new graduates and some are established sculptors who have travelled from across Britain to exhibit their work. The work on display range from abstract to figurative pieces in a variety of materials from glass, metal, marble, stone to ceramics, acrylic and even aluminium acetate.
Back in the art rooms at Harrow Way, the BTEC students are using their research to develop ideas and outcomes which could be sold in the shop at Hillier Gardens. The GCSE students are using their research to develop ideas and outcomes in a range of media.
In August 2014 Harrow Way GCSE and BTEC Art and Design students achieved 100% A* to C grades.
Harrow Way holds the prestigious Artsmark Gold status which is awarded by Arts Council England in recognition of the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.
For further information on Harrow Way Community School, please call 01264 364533 or visit www.harrowway.hants.sch.uk. Visits to the school by appointment are always welcome.
