We are incredibly proud to share that our exceptional Head of Art, Ms Westwood, recently captivated the art world with her stunning ceramic artworks at the renowned Collect Art Fair, hosted by the Crafts Council in London!

Collect, a globally celebrated showcase for the very best in contemporary craft and design, is an incredibly selective event. Ms Westwood's inclusion is a resounding testament to her extraordinary talent, unwavering dedication, and sheer artistic brilliance.

For the exhibition, Ms Westwood presented "The Seven Sisters," a collection of seven large, hand-coiled ceramic vases that she carefully crafted over the course of a year in her home studio. These pieces explore the rich themes of myths, legends, and human stories, using lighthearted humour, wordplay, and nostalgia to highlight social contradictions. Importantly, the visible marks of the creation process, such as deliberate imperfections and fingerprints, are just as crucial to the narrative as the intricately decorated surfaces.

"The Seven Sisters" drew crowds of admirers, sparking lively conversations and earning high praise from collectors and critics alike.

"We couldn't be prouder of Ms Westwood!" exclaimed Headteacher Mrs Greenwood. "Her participation in Collect is a monumental achievement; a true reflection of her exceptional artistry and relentless pursuit of creative excellence. Ms Westwood's passion ignites a spark within our pupils, demonstrating what's possible when talent meets dedication. She's a true inspiration to our entire Risedale Family."

"It was such an honour to be part of Collect," Ms Westwood shared. "It was an amazing experience! I'm so grateful for the opportunity to showcase my work alongside such talented artists. I truly hope this experience inspires my pupils to embrace their creativity and to follow their artistic passions with unwavering enthusiasm."

We are delighted to celebrate Ms Westwood's remarkable achievement. We are so proud to have her as our Head of Art, and we wish her all the best in her future artistic endeavours. Ms Westwood's success serves as a shining example for our pupils, demonstrating that artistic dreams can become reality. She embodies the spirit of creativity and encourages our young artists to explore their unique voices.

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️