Talented Students Gain Artistic Experience at Hazlehurst Art Studio

Gifted creative arts students from Cronton Sixth Form showcased their talents and developed new artistic skills whilst taking part in exciting industry placements at Hazlehurst Art Studio in Runcorn, where they impressed the staff.

Olivia McCarthy and Kyra McCarthy, both previously from The Health School, were lucky enough to start their placement prior to the national lockdown. They were able to spend some time with each of the ten artists who work from the studio, developing their knowledge of how to grow your own business as a self-employed artist.

They have since been joined by Abby Moyle, previously from Penketh High School, and Amy Gordon, previously from The Grange Academy, as all four students learnt new skills via virtual meetings, working and creating their art from home, and sharing their artistic creations through an online Microsoft Teams group.

This is the second year Hazlehurst Studios have offered work experience to students at Cronton Sixth Form. Studio artist Claire Pitt said, “We have been working with the College for the past year to create an Industry Placement program that offers students a real insight into what life is like as an artist and artist organization. Despite only being able to meet remotely, we have been so impressed by what the students have been able to achieve and how they embraced the opportunity.”

The students are now hoping the artwork they produced during the placement can be showcased in a physical display at Runcorn Shopping City. Art & Design student Amy Gordon said, “My work experience with Hazlehurst has been an amazing experience. It has given me multiple opportunities to share my work online and in real online exhibitions that the public can see and enter themselves.”

Work experience and industry placements form a large part of many of the courses at Cronton Sixth Form and are hugely important in providing students with real life experience in many different industries. Sandra Brown, Work Placement Officer at Cronton Sixth Form, said, “This was a fantastic Industry Placement opportunity to work and be involved with Hazlehurst Studio. Working with fulltime artists, this opportunity has given our students a real insight into how their artistic skills can develop into a business.”

After the exhibition, the students work will be shown in the Cronton Art Gallery which is home to work created by past and present students from Cronton’s School of Art. The exhibition can be viewed on open evenings and taster days.