Students at all academic levels have their heads down in exams at this time of year, but the end of year show at the Norwich School of Art and Design (NSAD), presents the opportunity for the artists of tomorrow to lift their heads high out of the study books and show their wares. The annual End of Year Exhibitions provide an opportunity to view the works of more than 400 students, making it one of the largest art, film and design exhibitions to be seen in the east of England. "It's an ideal opportunity for employers seeking fresh new talent, or for business and members of the public to buy original artwork," said David Girling, marketing manager at the NSAD. "Many of our students will go onto high profile jobs within the creative industries and we also encourage prospective students to visit the exhibition to see the range of work on display," he added. The NSAD End Of Year show is always something of an adventure into the visual arts - the thousands of visitors to the annual exhibition, never quite knowing what's in store.
 | | Skin Deep by Sarah Klan (detail) |
From the spectrum of artistic disciplines and the creative use of their application, to the range of abilities found in the students themselves. "This year's animated works display a really broad mixture of visual and sonic styles," said Tom Simmons, lecturer in animation sound design. "Beautifully constructed puppets, visually stunning CGI, hand drawn and coloured animation and detailed compositing are used in a variety of new productions. "The stories have been brought to life with imaginative sound design incorporating professional voice-overs, original music and sound effects," he added. Artistic disciplines Works in the exhibition includes sculptures, paintings, printmaking, photo media, illustration, graphic design, animations, video, film, installations, creative writing, poetry, digital imagery, photography, fashion and textiles. "My exhibition gives me the chance to express myself through my work. It has given me the opportunity to share how I see the world and convey what is important to me," said photography student Michelle Bonfield.
 | | Travels in Asia by Michelle Bonfield |
"My exhibition focuses on the subject of travel. I feel strongly that the experience of travel is so valuable in the growth and understanding of every individual and it should be an experience shared by all. "I hope that my work will encourage people to explore the idea of travel, what it means and maybe even spark the desire to take a trip themselves" she added. Students at the NSAD enjoy a close-knit environment, each with the common goal of self expression and maintaining an individual artistic style. "Students and tutors alike work together, pushing for originality and excellence. I am very proud to have studied here," said Michelle. For some students, the call to study the arts has come later in life. David Earl, also a student in photography, gave up a career in software engineering to explore photography at the NSAD. "I'm an unorthodox student. I've been able to develop what was an interest into a potential second career and in particular I've been able to learn about the graphic context where photography is used, which is one of the main reasons I chose this course" he said. "I'm really excited about the forthcoming show, tinged with a certain nervousness about getting everything done on time, it all coming together and the reaction. Art is nothing without an audience.
 | | Windmill by David Earl |
"I've been able to do all kinds of photography since I've been here, but I've confirmed that my best work is in the environment, rather than a studio set. "My show concentrates on a project called 'This other Eden', a photographic odyssey sampling and characterising our land by visiting 'degree confluence points', the points of intersection of longitude and latitude at whole degree intervals," he added. Industry showcase The End Of Year show not only provide a platform for students to showcase their work from the last 12 months and possibly sell a piece or two, it provides the ideal environment for industry to discover the stars of tomorrow. It's an opportunity that students are keen to take advantage of. "The exhibition is a great chance to show people outside the college your work. It's an opportunity to meet people who work in the industry also, as numerous design agencies tend to visit," said graphic design student Alex Forsyth. "Norwich is my home city and to study here is something I would recommend. I have lived away and come back because it offers everything and more than many other similar sizes cities or towns," he added. The NSAD End Of Year Exhibitions run from Thursday 16 - Wednesday 22 June, 2005. Admission is free. At the St George Street venue view work from:
BA(Hons) Creative and Cultural Studies
BA(Hons) Fine Art: Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking and Photo media
BA(Hons) Graphic Design: Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Design for Publishing
BA(Hons) Contemporary Textile Practices
BA(Hons) Visual Studies
Foundation Degree in Graphic Design At the Duke Street venue view work from the Foundation Studies in Art and Design. End of year work from art and design students at the College of West Anglia can be viewed from Wednesday 22 - Thursday 28 June, 2005. Call 01553 761144 for more details. | 
