PIMMS AND GENTLE choral music set the mood for a relaxed evening for 200 special guests at Exeter College’s Centre for Creative Industries (CCI) this month, where they were invited to view an exhibition to launch a series of art, design and performing arts shows set to take place on campus and across the city this summer.

For a change, however, it was the turn of staff rather than students’ work to be the centre of attention, with around 30 lecturers displaying examples of their work in a range of media, from fine art to digital photography, ceramics and metalwork.

Among those viewing the lecturers’ submissions at the Summer Shows 2011 event – the first of its kind to take place at Exeter College – were the Lord Mayor, Principal Richard Atkins, local design and art centres and agencies plus representatives of the Phoenix and the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth.

Subjects covered were hugely diverse, each piece with its own story to tell about both the way in which it was approached and the history of the artist behind it.

Speaking on the night, Matt Burrowes, Curator and Gallery Manager for the Phoenix, said: “The exhibition is great. It’s brave of staff baring their souls to their own students and it’s also a great success that they’ve set this exhibition inside this building. There’s a real variety and high quality to the work displayed.”

Marcel Choules, Lord Mayor, added: “My first impressions are that I am intrigued since I remember when this area used to be a railway yard. Looking at this exhibition, I am really impressed by the standard of work, and the images of Exeter within some of the work bring back memories. It is right that this hidden entity of staff work is shown in this way.”

Delighted with the reactions on the night, Exeter College’s Head of Art and Design Richard Holt continued: “We are celebrating 150 years of education in the city of Exeter this year and this exhibition is also a milestone in art and design education launching our higher education offer to the area as well as showcasing our staff’s work.

“We can see from the standard and range of work that there is a very bright future for art and design and the exhibition shows how our individual staff are inspiring individuals across the city and the heart of Devon.

“I’m very proud of the staff and the work that is displayed – it shows our staff in all their individual glory and the connectivity between them which has resulted in this great exhibition.

“We have 2,500 students studying art and design at the College. This exhibition allows us to show them more how, through our own staff expertise, we can ensure that they succeed. Whilst the papers are showing that 'Exeter is on the up’, I am also absolutely sure that this exhibition shows that 'the creative industries are on the up'.”

For further information, call Shirley Wheeler on 01392 205301 or shirleywheeler@exe-coll.ac.uk

Editor’s Notes

Here is what a few other guests had to say about the night:

Mike Krage of Krage Design company: “I'm very impressed with the standard of the work and also impressed that it shows the College in the local light but the range of artwork and subjects also shows a wider world focus for example with photography of New Zealand.”

Nigel Watts, Deputy Head of Art and Design: “My first impressions of the response to the exhibition is that there is a real buzz at the event from our staff and all the visitors. We are enthusiastic about art and design every day at College but we don't get the opportunity to share our individual passions for the arts. This exhibition has allowed each member of staff to showcase their own identity.”

John Laramy, Deputy Principal, Exeter College: “We are delighted that so many visitors have joined us for the launch of this exhibition. There is a real buzz in the arts at the moment and this exhibition, together with our new Centre for Music and Performance just around the corner, shows how committed the College is to make things happen and capture this enthusiasm.”

Dates of summer shows…
All shows are open to the public at The Centre for Creative Industries, Queen Street, Exeter between 10am – 4pm (excluding weekends)

Staff Show: 9th May – 18th May
Foundation Degree Show: 6th June – 9th June
Summer Shows: 23rd June – 30th June
Extended Diploma Show: 6th July – 7th July