4th July 2024 Adam Hartland

Kingsley Welcomes Visitors to its Annual Art Exhibition

Kingsley’s annual art exhibition is always a feast for this eyes, and this year’s is no exception!

Featuring work from students of all ages across Prep, Senior School and Sixth Form, the art exhibition is a true celebration of the creativity and talent that exists at Kingsley. The Prep School display is larger than ever this year, highlighting the enthusiasm of our youngest artists and their dedicated teachers. Year 7 students have been busy developing their sketching and shading skills; their individual pieces are a testament to their progress. Visitors can also enjoy the very impressive collaborative pieces they have been working on – two large-scale drawings of a lion and a lioness.

As students progress through Key Stage 3, they continue to develop their drawing skills, whilst also developing their understanding of colour and paint application techniques. Included in the exhibition is a fantastic array of drawings and paintings by Year 8 and 9 students, showcasing their growing expertise and artistic expression. For those with a passion for portraiture, the GCSE and A-level sections offer a stunning collection of fine art portraits, including paintings by the exceptionally talented Georgia R (Year 13), who will receive ‘The Emma Cowlin Award for Progress in Art’ this year.

At the centre of the exhibition is Kingsley’s contribution to the Warwick Schools Foundation’s ‘Five Structures, One Home’ project. Each of the five schools was set the challenge of producing an art installation as part of the Foundation’s Home Festival. Kingsley’s installation – The Hive – takes inspiration from the unity of bees and prompts us to reconsider what defines home. A home is more than just a physical space; it embodies a sense of belonging found across communities. The Hive’s design and artworks reflect the interconnectedness of our school community. Bees and flowers symbolise our external world, while inside is a cosy retreat where student artworks honour the vibrant diversity within our community. The Hive stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, echoing Kingsley’s role as our extended home, nurturing unity and creativity.

The art exhibition is included in this year’s Warwickshire Open Studios event and the first weekend was extremely busy, with students, staff, their families and members of the general public eagerly exploring the displays. Kingsley’s Head of Art, Ed Lax, expressed his pride in the students’ work, stating:

“The success of this year’s art exhibition has been truly remarkable. It has been heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and talent of our students come to life in their artwork. I am thrilled by the turnout, which included current and prospective students and their families, as well as members of the public who heard about our exhibition through the Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks. It was wonderful to hear so much praise for our students’ creative efforts. This year has been a testament to the vibrant artistic spirit at Kingsley, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

There will be another opportunity to visit the art exhibition during our Family Fun Day on the afternoon of Saturday 6 July.

 

The Kingsley School