Celebrating an Astounding Achievement at the Turner Contemporary

Published: 3 December 2013

This weekend witnessed a huge achievement for our art students and we are pleased to announce that their designs were exhibited at the Turner Contemporary Artist and Makers Fair. Held once a year, this festive fair displays the work of mainstream professional artists and small Kent businesses and we are thrilled that our students work was chosen to be included in this wonderful event. With no professional training or experience, their work was selected by an independent committee and this prestigious accolade just goes to show how talented they are.

Inspired by the work of Mark Hearld the theme running through our exhibition was nature, which the students interpreted in their own unique and contemporary way. Communicating their visions through their one of a kind ceramic designs, the students produced bespoke pieces of an exceptionally high standard. In fact, their pottery pieces were of such high quality that they are now on sale in the Turner Contemporary gift shop and are guaranteed to make an exclusive purchase.

As well as demonstrating the skill and talents of our students, this artistic achievement also highlights the importance of the work we do, as adults with learning disabilities can find it difficult to communicate. For some of those living with more severe learning disabilities, visiting our Rainbow Gallery provides them with a purely sensory experience and for those who are more able, it teaches them life skills and the opportunity to earn a living; their work is not only on sale online and in Savia, a local gift shop, but they also work on commissioned pieces.

Gill Gibb, CEO of Canterbury Oast Trust commented ‘our aim is to help everyone one of our students confidently express themselves and to help them feel valuable and purposeful, and this event pays tribute to the success and importance of art in our mission’.

Simon Russell from Warren Mews at the Turner Centre, Margate on the 1st December 2013 with a happy customer.