St Vincent Sixth Form College art and design students have seen their work specially selected for display at an upcoming, local music and food festival. The young artists created an array of festival themed signs and decorative pieces all tied in with the fun, colourful feel.
Festival Co-organiser and Promoter John Seymour contacted Chloe Cusse, Art Teacher at St Vincent, to see if any of her creative students would like to provide artwork for the event.
Community art collaboration
John explained why he made the approach:
“It’s basically a project that gets the whole community involved, getting people to come out for free and enjoy really good food, drink and lovely music. We got Chloe involved as we wanted to get local colleges involved as much as possible and she stood up and she’s jumped on board massively.”
Chloe saw a great opportunity for her students to showcase their work:
“I think it gets them excited because it was a live brief; something that is actually happening, going out into the world and gives them some confidence and ownership over their work; that people would actually see it.”
Festival vibes
The festival features some seventy acts performing over several stages. The main stage features cover and tribute bands with a choice of established musicians too. Up and coming artists and some seasoned stars strut their stuff on the introducing stage while the Marquee is the place to go if you’re looking for original bands.
Cabaret, burlesque and healing opportunities are all served up on a menu that features a variety of street food too. With the Ready To Rock School, a local choir and free fun for the little ones, there’s plenty to check out as the sun sets on the summer.
Students’ work lights up festival
John and Chloe really wanted the students’ artwork to add to the festival feel.
“It’s all about friendship and getting involved. Any event is what people make it. It’s about making artistic and as interesting and fun as possible. The event is like a different world on your doorstep”. John enthused.
Looking back, Chloe was so impressed with how her student embraced the task:
“It gave them that freedom to work digitally drawing or to do physical paintings, or they could look into the music festival visual atmosphere.”
Checking out the vibrant artwork with Chloe in her classroom, before driving them off for display at the festival, John was wowed by the teenagers’ efforts:
“I think what the students have done is absolutely incredible. They should be really proud of it.”
The talented students return to college in the autumn, progressing with their studies, perhaps after a long weekend at Gosport Sunset Festival which runs from 29 to 31 August 2025 at Walpole Park, Gosport. Tickets are not required and the event is free to enter.
If you like the sound of this course, check out our art and design course webpage to find out more.
