Do you have a passion for art and creativity? Have you ever dreamed of having your art work displayed in an exhibition? Or have you ever wondered how to unleash your creative talents? Here in Kilkenny VTOS we run many QQI accredited Art courses at levels 3 to 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Catherine our art tutor believes everyone has the ability to create art and under her guidance many of our students have discovered talents of which they had been previously unaware. Catherine’s art room is a hive of activity and creative freedom, where students create, learn and discover their talent in a safe and encouraging space.
In the Options One classes students work towards the QQI Level 3 modules Art and Design, Drawing and Visual Arts Practice and create stunning portfolios of work which form the basis of their art and design certification. All students showcase their talents in one of two exhibitions which Catherine organises. The Visual Arts Practice exhibition was displayed in Loughboy Library this year and was inspired by a visit to see the David Hockney exhibition “I Draw, I Do” in the Mac exhibition centre in Belfast. Every year the inspiration is different and dependant on current national exhibitions and every year the results of the art classes are showstopping.
For the Visual Arts Practice module students have the opportunity to visit the National Gallery, The Irish Museum of Modern Art and The Hugh Lane Gallery as well as all the local exhibitions in the Butler Gallery and National Crafts Council. Catherine also collaborates with well-known local artists such as Brock Butler and Victoria Cody to allow students to discover how professional artists work and exhibit.
Many students from Options Two and the Woodcarving Group opt to study art full time and work towards the QQI Level 5 Award in Art, Craft and Design. As part of the course students will cover the Level 5 modules of Drawing, Painting, Collage Techniques, Sculpture, Design Skills and Combined Materials as well as Work Experience and Communications.
This year’s External Authenticator’s report stated that the work facilitated by Catherine and achieved by VTOS students was a benchmark standard in quality. All students achieved their full potential and the resulting work was showcased in our end of year Art and Ceramic’s exhibition in McDonagh Junction.
The culmination of a year working with Catherine afforded the students not just a high standard of art and craft work to exhibit but also a year of great growth and personal development. In the art room our students can relax and take time to work on their projects and enjoy huge support and encouragement.