Masterclasses with world-renowned artists, visits to some of the country’s most prestigious art galleries and producing their own exhibitions – that’s just some of the experiences young artists in Hull are being given as they take part in an incredible Art & Design National Saturday Club.
As part of the National Saturday Club network, Ferens Art Gallery Art & Design Club began in October last year and so far it’s been an exciting few months for the young artists, all aged from 13 to 16.
In November, Ian McKeever, who is regarded as one of the most significant British painters of his generation, gave a masterclass at Ferens Art Gallery exploring experimental approaches to drawing.
Artist Ian McKeever gives a masterclass to club members at Ferens Art Gallery
Also in November, the young artists took part in the National Saturday Club London Visit, attending the Wellcome Collection, The Gagosian Gallery and Somerset House, as well as taking part in a National Saturday Club event at Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design.
Earlier this month the club put on their own exhibition at the Streetlife Museum in Hull.
The Ferens Art Gallery Art & Design Club is delivered by artist Andi Dakin and supported by local artists, Dom Heffer, Lindy Norton, Nathan Pidd, Anna Bean and Anne Marie Tickle.
Young artist taking part in Ian McKeever masterclass
Andi Dakin said: “We have 26 members from eight schools in Hull. For 30 Saturdays of the year they enjoy regular three-hour artist-led challenges across a range of art and design disciplines.
“These Saturday sessions help develop member confidence and creative wellbeing, with hands-on learning experiences and discussions through workshops.
“The club is different to school or college, it provides a solid platform for creative adventure, quality preparation for GCSEs, vocational and A-level study.
“Our members will leave in July with very strong portfolios, an Arts Award qualification and confidence that will enable them to shine with many members progressing onto careers in the creative industries.”
Artwork produced by the club
The Ferens Art Gallery Art & Design Club meets at museum sites all over the city centre, including Ferens Art Gallery and the Museum’s Quarter, with club members encouraged to take inspiration from their surroundings.
Councillor Marjorie Brabazon, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure, said: “There is so much fantastic young artistic talent in our city. It’s great to see these young people making the most of organisations like the National Saturday Club, as well as our brilliant spaces such as Ferens Art Gallery and the Streetlife Museum.”
The culmination of the National Saturday Club’s year is a public exhibition of the work produced by club members from all across the country in the Embankment Galleries at London’s historic Somerset House.
Each club plans its own section of the show, selecting highlights from its year’s work or preparing a special exhibit. The show will take place in London this summer.
The Ferens Art Gallery’s Art & Design Club runs until June 2019.
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