onionbagblog

Published as part of the Hidden Kiosk Project.

A gloriously sunny Colchester lunchtime was the ideal setting for the latest launch of the Hidden Kiosk Project. Twenty-seven students from the Springboard course at the nearby Colchester Institute impressed the judges with their application to showcase their fine artwork in the local community.

The students study a pre-foundation course for adults with learning difficulties. As well as more traditional academic subjects being studied, art also plays a key element on this course.

As course tutor Janet explains in the podcast below, the students wanted to combine the community element in their course along with their artistic talents. The Hidden Kiosk was the perfect setting for this task.

This was a very special Colchester afternoon, with an impressive crowd coming along to the Hidden Kiosk to show their support. The students were thrilled when Cllr Sonia Lewis, Madam Mayor or of Colchester, very kindly accepted the invitation to formally open the art exhibition.

Planning for the occasion has also been a big part of the Hidden Kiosk Project for the students at the Institute. It was through their own initiative that they wrote and requested the company of Madam Mayor, as well as attracting support and publicity from our friends at BBC Radio Essex and The Gazette.

On a more practical level, the students have also been responsible for the physical preparation of the site to host the exhibition. Display boards have been made during woodwork lessons, and the interior design of the Kiosk is the work of the students as well.

Proudly on display down at the Kiosk until the end of the week is a mixture of traditional and contemporary art, as well as some examples of woodwork that the students have produced.

The launch day itself extended the artistic talents further. The gathering of well wishers were treated to a beautiful solo singing performance by one of the students, as well as a group collaboration effort, with an appearance of the Chinese Dragon that the students have produced.

The art exhibition may only be running for one week, but it is the memories and experience that will remain. This is a project that is all about being proud of the work created, and celebrating what it means to have more involvement within the local Colchester community. A selection of students explain what it means to have taken part in the videos below.

Many thanks to all the Springboard students @ColchesterInst for stepping forward and showcasing their fantastic artwork. A special thanks as well to Lee Pugh for acting as a wonderful mentor on this very special project. The support of Madam Mayor and the many family and friends of the students is also greatly appreciated.

Students from the Colchester Institute will be on site at the Hidden Kiosks until Friday 1st April. They are very keen for any locals to come down to the Kiosk and to learn more about their fine work.

Full flickr stream over here.