Johnny Vegas at student art exhibition opening

SHOW 25 celebrates the achievements of final year degree students in St Helens.

It is a showcase of creative work from BA (Hons) Game Art, BA (Hons) Graphic Design, BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting, and FdSc Media Production.

The college believes the exhibition is a “fantastic opportunity for potential employers, friends, family, industry, and members of the public to see exciting creations by the next generation of artists, designers, creators, and makers from St Helens”.

The show, which is being held at the Street and a Half, Haydock Street also part of the Independents Biennial, showcasing the vibrant art scene of the Liverpool City Region.

Guests check out the exhibition (Image: St Helens College) Johnny, along with Knowsley Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Ken McGlashan and Cllr Anne McGlashan, were special guests at the event.

The Thatto Heath raised actor and writer is a former St Helens College student and Middlesex Art and Ceramics graduate.

In recent years he has reignited his passion for creating art and won acclaim for the  public exhibition of his work at The World of Glass in St Helens.

The college describes his support for “local artists as unwavering”, which was evidenced by him taking time out from recording his new TV series, Little Shop of Antiques, to support St Helens students. He said:

Johnny said: “The artworks produced by St Helens students are exceptional! It is exciting to see our town producing such creative talent.

“Walking around the exhibition I feel totally immersed and excited about our growing artistic community and want to support it any way I can.”

Andrew Core, who studied BA (Hons) in Fine Art Painting, said: “My artwork seeks to process and better understand the world around me.

“I observe, consider and evaluate. Through instinctive paintings, I aim to express feelings induced through visual and emotional stimuli.”

Another Fine Art Painting student, Pauline Strong, said: “I am interested in drapery painting because I have always adored satin, silk, velvet, and faux-fur fabrics.

“These fabrics evoke an irresistible sense of luxury and sensuality. My intention is to depict these fabrics realistically, which requires patience and meticulous attention to detail.”

(Image: St Helens College) BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, Kayleigh Fowler, said: “I was inspired to explore expressive artists and activities that focus less on outcomes and more on the creative journey.

“What I discovered throughout this project is that true creativity isn’t about the final result – it’s about the freedom to play, explore, and make something that is uniquely your own, without fear or judgment.”

Ian Greenall, head of creative and performing arts at University Centre St Helens, said: “Our SHOW 25 displays the huge talent and skills that our students have developed and perfected at University Centre St Helens.

“We are very proud of our soon-to-be-graduates, and we wish them all the greatest success as they prepare to move into careers in a wide range of creative industries. I hope people visit the show and experience this wonderful exhibition for themselves.” 

Mark Simmonds, creative and performing arts lecturer presented his students with certificates, individual graphic design pins, and three notes of advice:

“Look out for each other.”

“To be creative is a blessing and a joy.”

“Be so good that they can’t ignore you.”

He added one final note to all; “don’t forget us!”

In keeping with the community spirit of the event, catering at the launch of SHOW 25 was provided by Café Laziz, a St Helens ESOL community project, which teaches English to asylum seekers and runs a weekly café serving world food. Volunteers served coffee and Syrian delicacies.

How to see the exhibition

SHOW 25 is being held at the Street and a Half, Haydock Street, WA10 1DD from Monday May 19 – Friday, June 13. (Opening Hours: 11AM – 3PM (Weekdays).

Interested in studying a creative degree this September? Visit www.sthelens.ac.uk  for more information.