Sustainable fashion and art showcased

An event that combined sustainable fashion with work inspired by different artists was a resounding success at Walsall College’s Hawbush Campus.

Supported learning students hosted a catwalk show where they modelled wedding hats and canvas bags made from bedspreads and pillowcases.  They also exhibited sketchbooks, mannequins, prints and 3D mod-roc artwork influenced by artists including Hannah Ray and Mike Barrett, as well as Penkridge Ceramics Pottery Creations.

Tanya Lewis, Supported Learning Team Leader at the college said: “This is the first time our adult learners have showcased their creative skills so publicly and the tutors and I are thrilled by their efforts.

“They also showed great confidence when parading their designs down our catwalk and speaking to staff and their fellow students about their artwork and about the importance of living sustainably.

“We’ll all be talking about the event during the weeks to come and hopefully hosting a similar show next term.”

Lucy Cooper has studied performing arts, skills for independent living and digital skills at the college.

Talking about her catwalk appearance and what sustainability means to her, she said: “I’ve loved everything about this fashion show.  Because I’d already studied drama, I wasn’t nervous at all about being on the catwalk.

“Recycling is important to me.  I like seeing and being in a clean, safe environment.  College has taught me that there are so many things that can be used again.  The hat that I modelled was one I bought in from home and re-made.  I’m so proud of that.”

Ten students in total modelled their hat and bag creations.

Art students from different classes presented mannequins featuring printwork based on different cultural and religious festivals.  In addition to these, there were sketchbooks showing drawings, silk screen techniques and lino.

An identity project gave students the opportunity to create self portraits using painting and clothwork while 3D displays of fruit and vegetables were made using mod roc.