The British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), together with students from Thistley Hough Academy and Haywood Academy celebrated the opening of ‘Ceramic Minds’ exhibition at Smithfield in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on Friday (19 July).
Ceramic Minds Exhibition Opening
Named by the students, Ceramic Minds is an exhibition that celebrates the work that they have achieved over the last 12 months. During this time, the students have been developing concepts, designing and making artworks as well as being involved with curating and marketing the exhibition. The exhibition has been made possible with the support of Smithfield and Genr8.
In February this year, the students went to the V&A Wedgwood Collection to see the range of different ceramics on display and learn about the history of Josiah Wedgwood. They explored the galleries, had a factory tour, and made plates in the clay studio, using moulding and sgraffito techniques. The students have also visited the V&A South Kensington to broaden their understanding of the rich variety of artworks in clay that have been created over previous centuries. For many, this was their first visit to London.
“The Ceramic Minds exhibition is part of a wider project called Transferer, which explores cross-curricular approaches to art-based learning, building confidence and key transferable skills. Transferer is funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, one of the largest grant-making institutions in the UK, who form collaborations with organisations interested in creating a just society.”
Clare Wood, Artistic Director & Chief Executive of British Ceramic Biennial.
“We are delighted, and so very proud to exhibit the work of all the students that took part in this project. BCB is passionate about improving lives together with artists and creative communities. We recognise that arts-based teaching and learning can add value and help schools achieve their aspirations for pupils. I hope that Ceramic Minds, did just that, by building the students’ confidence, developing their oracy and critical thinking skills.”
Emma Price, Transferer Project Co-ordinator at British Ceramics Biennial.
“Every petal is different, some are one colour, the rest are another. If we love flowers for all their colours, then why don’t we do the same for people of another race?”
– Ashlie, student maker of ‘Blue Daisy’.
The exhibition is open from 10am to 4pm and runs until Thursday 25 July 2024. It takes place at the Smithfield Retail Unit, on the corner of the Hilton Hotel, Potteries Way, Hanley, ST1 4QA.