Arts@60 Exhibition – celebrating the past, inspiring the future

The exhibition takes place in the Vallum Gallery and features a small selection of the many talented academic and technical staff that have taught thousands of students over many decades.

Above: Photography lecturer Rob Sara with his work in the Vallum Gallery for the Arts@60 staff exhibition

Exhibitors include: Tony Peart, Senior Lecturer in Illustration, who over 40 years has been an educator, painter, researcher, public lecturer, author, craftsperson and collector. His paintings start life as abstract improvisations which frequently evolve into figurative imagery – they imply a story for the viewer to create. Rowan Lear, Lecturer in Photography, is exhibiting a series of photographic images entitles Learning to see - a scattering of impressions from a season spent observing a small patch of land in the grounds of a public garden, whilst Senior Technician in Printmaking, Natalie Shaw’s collagraph prints have emerged from the lines, marks and forms found in the landscape. Jan Beadle left in 2010 to concentrate full-time on making and exhibiting her own work and is showcasing a series of her handwoven scarves and shawls. Jan Kelsey was a student in the first cohort of BA (Hons) Fine Art in 1994 prior to an 18-year career as a lecturer, latterly in foundation art and design. Her mixed media work ‘Ghost Family’ is from her Ambassador series who are individuals who inhabit their own spaces.

Above: Ceramics artist Gwen Bainbridge, who worked at Cumbria College of Art and Design, now University of Cumbria

Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, Director of the Institute of Education, Arts and Society said: "In 1963 we opened the doors of the main building of our Brampton Road campus and since then, have delivered a range of art and design programmes that, over time, have adapted to reflect changing markets. This exhibition showcases the diverse skills and techniques of our staff, from studio based creative disciplines to advanced technologies."

Arts@60 runs from Monday 5 February until Friday 12 March 2024 and is open 10am-4pm daily (weekdays).  A private view is being held between 4pm and 7pm on Wednesday 21 February 2024 where visitors will have an opportunity to meet the artists and share memories and stories that celebrates the past and inspires the future of art and design education.

The Institute of Education, Arts & Society is appealing for stories, memories and photographs for a new website tracing the history of arts education in Carlisle. Please contact karen.jones@cumbria.ac.uk.

The exhibition and website are the latest in a series of Arts@60 activities and events planned to mark six decades of arts education from the site in Carlisle. Full details can be found at: https://news.cumbria.ac.uk/news/celebrating-cumbrias-contribution-to-creative-and-cultural-industries

ENDS