Exeter College's Yard Art Gallery hosted its first collaborative Schools Art competition at the end of January with nearly 40 young exhibitors from ISCA, St Peters, Southbrook, Axe Valley and Queen Elizabeth's Academy displaying a wide range of artwork including fine art, graphics, multi media and photographic pieces.

“We're delighted with this first Schools Art Show,” said Rob Bosworth, Assistant Principal. “It was designed to engage and motivate creative school students and give them the opportunity to experience their work in a public space; to raise their aspirations, to experience Exeter College and to meet and work with some of current art and design students. The standard of work shown by these young students is amazing.”

Molly Edwards from Axe Valley Community College was the overall winner with a stunning mixed media piece including her own art shirt and jigsaw pieces “Because my art is all about making a puzzle” Molly took 6 weeks to create her art work Ephemeral using a mixture of ideas.

Esme Peck from Queen Elizabeth Academy in Crediton was voted best graphics illustrator exhibitor and her thought provoking photo of her sister Hetta was based on the style of famous photographer Loretta Lux. Currently in Year 9, Esme would like do something with photography and dance as a career.

James Bentley from St Peters proudly showed off his beautiful photo of a rain soaked road saying “I've applied to Exeter College to do photography – I really hope it's like all of this and more!”

Carmen Garcia de Marina from Queen Elizabeth's Academy in Crediton displayed a painting based on the style of Van Gogh – a portrait of her Maths teacher “I love art!”

The exhibition which was displayed for one week in the college’s new art gallery off Queen Street. Further exhibitions are planned with the local schools.