Two student artists from Forth Valley College have won Graduate Studio Prizes and been selected to make use of two fully funded studios at the Cowane Centre in Stirling as part of a joint initiative.
Third year BA Art and Design students Denise Hunter (48) from Stirling and Heather MacDonald (20) from Sauchie, have caught the eye of selectors from the joint initiative involving Future Artists Stirling, Stirling Council’s Culture Team and the Arts Society Stirling and Forth Valley.
They were told of their special awards at the preview showing of FVC’s annual Degree and Diploma exhibition on the evening of Thursday 6 June at the Stirling Campus, where both students are showing off artwork.
Linda Paterson, Curriculum Manager in FV’s Creative Industries Department of Creative Industries Hospitalities and Tourism, said: “This is an excellent initiative and I can’t think of two more deserving recipients than Denise and Heather. They have worked extremely hard over the last few years and I am sure the use of these facilities will help them progress even further in their art and design career.”
Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “Huge congratulations to both Denise and Heather on being recognised with these well-deserved awards which will help them hone their artistic abilities.
“As a Council we recognise the importance of culture and creativity, and we are proud to be involved in this project and support our talented students in reaching positive destinations.”
Cllr Maureen Bennison, Vice Convener of the Committee, said: “It’s fantastic to see two students in Denise and Heather receiving this recognition as a result of their dedication and excellent work.
“We are delighted to support this scheme and as part of our commitment to see creative industries flourish in Stirling, which will help grow the economy and improve the quality of life and well-being of our citizens.”
The free exhibition will end on Wednesday 12 June at 4pm. It offers members of the public, students and staff the opportunity to check out work from the next generation of artists.
The show will highlight a wide range of media including art, design, photography, sculpture, installation, video and audio created by 60 learners from the BA Art and Design, HND Contemporary Art Practice, HND Graphic Design, HND Photography and HND Art and Design, as well as highlighting the talent of students across courses in media and communication and sound production.
Photographs taken by Jim Morgan.
