Grayson Perry’s critically acclaimed Art Club is now in its third series showcasing work by artists, comedians and popular figures as well as members of the general public.

Each week Art Club focuses on a different theme accepting submissions of any type of art including paintings, sculpture, drawings and collages, from amateurs and professionals alike.

Ms Westwood’s work was selected for the programme after she submitted a short video and photos of her ceramics for the upcoming programme exploring the theme ‘Inside My Head’.

Since April 2021, Ms Westwood has produced an impressive collection of 100 ceramic bonbon dishes, each individually hand-made and decorated with text and images depicting a different memory or reflection on life at that moment.

Ms Westwood said,

“I was speechless when I received the call from Grayson’s production team telling me that I might be on the programme. I couldn’t believe it. It was such a mix of emotions, I was so excited and absolutely terrified -  but so glad that I did it.”

Grayson interviewed Ms Westwood via a Zoom call from her classroom at Risedale. He asked her about her work, what inspired her and wanted to know more about some of the stories behind her bonbon dishes.

Ms Westwood said,

“Before the interview, I was so nervous but once I started talking with Grayson it just felt like I was chatting with a friend. I’m not sure how much of our conversation will actually be shown in the programme but even just to say that I’ve spoken with Grayson Perry is such a privilege. It was an amazing experience!”

Headteacher, Mr Scott said,

“The Risedale Family is incredibly proud of Ms Westwood. It’s wonderful to see that her passion for the creative arts continues to flourish even under the pressure of lockdown and the daily challenges that teaching can often bring. I know that when our pupils see her on Grayson’s Art Club it will undoubtedly be an inspirational moment.”

Ms Westwood has been Head of Art at Risedale for 9 years after graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Sunderland, followed by a PGCE in Art and Design at Northumbria University. Throughout her teaching career, Ms Westwood has continued to work as a practising artist and recently her work has predominantly focussed on contemporary ceramic sculpture and studio ceramics. She is an active member of The Northern Potters Association and is also the resident artist for EPICH (Eco People In Croft and Hurworth) producing artwork and installations within the parish with a focus on improving green spaces.

You can find out more about Ms Westwood’s work by following her on Jam Westwood (@jam.westwood) • Instagram photos and videos or by visiting www.jamwestwood.com

Grayson Perry CBE RA (born 24 March 1960) is an English contemporary artist, writer and broadcaster. He is known for his ceramic vases, tapestries and cross-dressing, as well as his observations of the contemporary arts scene, and for dissecting British "prejudices, fashions and foibles". [ TATE biography of the artist ] 

You can watch Ms Westwood on Grayson's Art Club by clicking the YouTube link below.

UPDATE: Ms Westwood's ceramics will feature in a major national exhibition at Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in Birmingham from December 2022 until April 2023. You can find out more about Grayson’s Art Club Exhibition HERE.