Monday 2 January 2017

11th Annual Graduate Show

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THE CURATOR'S VIEW – January 2014

"It is always surprising how quickly the Annual Graduate Show comes round. It seems but a short time since I was extolling the virtues of new and emerging talent. I am trying to ignore the possibility that this may be a phenomenon related to the ageing of the curator!

Regular visitors to the Show will know that we select graduates from across the country. The message isn't that these are the best from the 2016 crop – best is such a subjective word – rather that they are makers who attracted Clare Macfarlane and I when we saw the large numbers of graduates at New Designers last July.

What is noticeable is the small group amongst the graduate population who at an early stage recognise that becoming a professional, post university, requires a range of skills and experience beyond making. The ones that truly impress have a clear head about what they will show, early completion of paperwork and images and of course the timely delivery of the exhibition pieces. If only this were the norm. On the other hand we are only too aware of the pressures on graduates to get work to pay their bills and to live life.

This show has a number of interesting and immensely creative makers and we hope that visitors will derive great pleasure from looking (and buying!) pieces and importantly casting a vote for the graduate that is best liked. As in previous years we will be supporting the maker who gains the most votes.

One innovation this year is to add an exhibitor who is still at university and due to graduate next year. Under the banner of One to Watch we are showing the latest work of a Hereford College student. We will certainly be keeping an eye on her development during her final year.

Do come to see the Show – stretch the legs after Christmas  - let us know what you feel about these new exhibitors."

Stuart Dickens


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