Paola in Naples

CERAMICS EXHIBITION IN NAPLES

A talented group of students who study at the Roehampton Centre of South Thames College, have recently exhibited their ceramics work at a successful exhibition in Naples, Italy.

In March, students from the part time Professional Development Diploma in Ceramics undertook the daunting task of an international exhibition, having previously displayed work in prestigious national venues including The Oxo Gallery, New Designers and a successful exhibition in Athens in 1999. Student Paola Di Celmo provided the initiative and planning of the ceramics exhibition 'Fired Imagination' at Chiostro di Santa Maria La Nova in Naples.

Each of the six students exhibiting their work took responsibility for an aspect of the planning, organising, finance, publicity, transporting and presenting of their ceramics.

The exhibition was opened by Angela Cortese, the Councillor for Naples responsible for Education and Equal Opportunities, who welcomed the exhibitors and applauded their initiative. Each student presented to a large and appreciative audience their motives, the means they used to execute their aims, their achievement and their professional aspirations.

The audience of about 80 people included officials from government departments of Arts and Culture, university lecturers, teachers from schools and colleges, artists and students, collectors of contemporary ceramics and friends. Many personal and professional contacts were made on the evening of the exhibition and it is hoped that future exchanges and links between ceramists, schools and colleges in London and Naples can be achieved. There are also firm proposals to arrange a larger exhibition next year with financial support and sponsorship from the city of Naples.

Tutor David Cowley commented,

"Much was achieved in professional and cultural terms by the students who embarked upon this exhibition and their growth in confidence and maturity as makers has been considerable as a result of their experience. New opportunities of exhibiting and selling work, as well as the wealth of knowledge and information gained from an audience of a different culture will be invaluable to them. Their desire and ability to work for a personal and common aim is an example to us all. They should be applauded."

Source: London Colleges News