A local art exhibition was recently held at the Old Fire Station Gallery, in Henley, from Friday 16 until Tuesday 20 October. The Henley Arts and Crafts Guild Autumn Exhibition is a highlight in the local calendar, and local artists are offered the chance to display their artwork for the community to see. This year, two Shiplake Sixth Form students had the same opportunity; James Hargreaves and Billy Sayers, both Year 13, were invited to display artwork in the exhibition. Artwork is selected by an outside judge, and this year Head of Art, Mrs Hema Gillings, was approached and asked to select the artwork for the exhibition.
Elaine Fear, of the Henley Arts and Crafts Guild, explained that the annual exhibition encourages the involvement of young people in the community. Junior members are very much welcome within the guild, and it is hoped that a junior section can be developed to encourage budding young artists locally. The decision to include younger artists’ work was welcomed by Mrs Gillings, who said that ‘the work that Billy and James have entered is from last week’s AS work. Billy was inspired by life drawing, and James by the gestures made by hands.’
Both Billy and James have progressed into A Level art, and welcomed the opportunity to display their artwork at a prominent exhibition. One of three annual shows put on by the guild, the autumn exhibition always proves a very popular event, attracting not just artists but members of the local community, friends and family.
And the artists themselves visit the exhibition, which gives visitors a chance to meet them and discuss the ideas behind their work, as well as what their plans are for the future. An eminent theatre director was very taken with Billy’s work in particular, noting that should he ever wish to pursue a career in stage design, Billy should give him a call!
Billy and James now look to concentrate on their upcoming Art A Level, developing their skills in painting and creating more beautiful pieces. Mrs Gillings commented that she was ‘proud of both the boys, who displayed some wonderful pieces and also exemplary behaviour at the event. It was an honour to be chosen to select the pieces, and to add to that Shiplake pupils exhibiting – just fantastic. It was a wonderful event and we look forward to the next.’
