In the spotlight with... Hannah Stoney

Hannah Stoney, aged 24 from Stone is a Gallery Owner and local artist.  Having studied Art at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC), Hannah has gone on to achieve a successful career in the Creative Industries, opening her own Art Boutique at local tourist attraction the Trentham Estate.

Hannah joined NULC in 2006, aged 18 where she studied the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.  When asked why she decided to come to NULC, Hannah says: “I was aware of the College’s reputation for its creative courses and having gone to high school in Stafford I fancied a change of scenery.”

“The staff are brilliant; all very encouraging and inspiring. It was nice to be treated as an adult after so long at school. My confidence increased dramatically whilst at NULC because of the course and the lecturers. The structure of the course really meant we could get the most out of each specialism and explore them all before deciding what suited us best.”

When asked how NULC helped her to get where she wanted to be, Hannah said: “The staff always made sure they were aware of our plans for after the course so that our studies could gear towards it in any way possible. The course was so varied it ensured a very strong portfolio which we spend a long time putting together. This along with mock interviews meant we were prepared for our University applications.”

After completing her studies at NULC and gaining a Distinction in her BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.  Hannah progressed to the University of Gloucestershire in Cheltenham to study Fine Art: Painting and Drawing, where she achieved a first class honours degree.  After graduating, Hannah spent time in London working for an extremely reputable printmakers gallery on Cork Street. Then in January 2011 she began setting up Yellowstone.

Hannah tells us all about her successful venture in opening her own Art Boutique: “Yellowstone ArtBoutique was opened in 2011 and it showcases work by the very best new makers and designers. The space has quickly gained a reputation for stylish interior design and fresh, contemporary artwork and craft.”

She continues: “We concentrate on graduates from British Art Schools who are trained in their craft. This is really important to me, as lots of galleries only work with artists with ‘reputation’. This is the main reason I opened Yellowstone, I wanted to be there for new graduates who have spent so much money and time learning their craft to a high level. I also want to help artists be ‘full time artists’ rather than it turning in to a hobby.”

Hannah has high hopes for the future of the Yellowstone Art Boutique, saying: “Hopefully Yellowstone will go from strength to strength. We’re just about to launch our online store, which is really exciting and means visitors to Trentham can reach us, even when they’re back home.”

Speaking of her personal goals, Hannah says: “I’m hoping to take on more personal commissions, at the moment I’m working with couples on personal wedding stationery and rebranding a tearoom. I’m also keen to work with students who are still studying to offer practical advice in the workplace.”

Talking about the creative potential for young people in Staffordshire, Hannah comments: “I’d say you’re in the right place at the right time! I moved away straight after College to find a creative hub which was fantastic, but since setting up my business back home in Staffordshire, I’ve realized there really is something starting to happen in Staffordshire with regard to the creative industries.  So many young people are doing exciting things in the local area, trying to make the most of living in ‘the creative county’.”

Hannah offers her advice to young people studying in the county: “My only advice, to students studying in Staffordshire, is to really concentrate on the practical aspects of your course.  For example; how to hang a show, how to be professional, how to contact galleries, how to write a strong dissertation. Painting for three years is great but you may feel a little lost on graduating if you don’t have the business acumen needed.”

Hannah explains her reasons for opening returning to Staffordshire to launch her business venture: “I decided to open back at home because when I grew up here, I wanted a place like Yellowstone. So I hoped there would be students here in that position now. It’s really nice to know the area so well, and have strong links with NULC and what is happening there. The TrenthamEstate is also such a perfect place for us, everyone who visits is in the frame of mind to wander and enjoy the shops. It’s such a beautiful place to run a gallery. It’s also really easy to get to so no excuses!”

“I would definitely recommend NULC’s Art and Creative courses. Since I’ve studied there, the College has had a total new build, which looks incredible! The new build feels more like a University than a college, which is a great way to help students transition in to Higher Education.”

You can find out more about the Yellowstone Art Boutique on Twitter @YellowstoneAB and Facebook‘Yellowstone Art Boutique’.  Hannah is also in process of launching an online shop http://yellowstoneartboutique.co.uk/shop/.

To find out more about the range of Creative courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Creative students inspired by local pottery history

 
Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) will show off their artwork at a special private view to be held later this week.

Students from the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC were approached by the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) to create modern masterpieces inspired by one of Stoke-on-Trent’s most famous pottery companies – Spode.

Through the partnership the College and BCB aim to showcase the creative industries within Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

The project will culminate in a private exhibition to be held at the former Spode Works in Stoke on Thursday 10 May, from 2.00pm -3.00pm, where guests and visitors will be able to view the work produced by the students.

Amy Davies, Curriculum Leader for the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice, said: “Here at NULC we have a great reputation nationally for the quality of our creative students, so we were delighted when BCB asked us to get involved in the project.”

She continued: “It’s a real honour for the students to be selected to work on such a high profile project and also a great opportunity for the students to investigate the history and heritage of the pottery industry in Stoke-on-Trent and to then transform that in to contemporary pieces which will appeal to a new audience.”

As part of the project, the students set up a studio space at the former factory and spent two days a week working on their creations, which use methods including embroidery, photography, jewellery and ceramics.

Student Alex Wise, aged 19 from Sandford Hill, Stoke-on-Trent has used shards of Spode pottery that she has uncovered at the site to make contemporary pieces of jewellery. Another student, Storm Spencer-Lindop, aged 20 from Blurton, has created fashion designs inspired by the iconic Spode Factory.

BCB showcases excellence and the best of contemporary practice by makers and artists across the UK, building significant partnerships with other major festivals and centers for ceramic research, and making significant European partnerships.

NULC provides a range of Foundation degrees (Fd) in partnership with Staffordshire University, at the College’s purpose built University Centre on Knutton Lane.

To find out more about the range of Foundation degrees on offer at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk/he or contact the Information Point on 01782 25424 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Creative students exhibit work at Burselm School of Art

Students studying the Extended Project and A level Photography at NULC are exhibiting their work at Burslem School of Art, from Monday 23 to Friday 27 April 9.00am - 6.00pm.

Come along to show your support and view the fantastic work of these young creative students.

In the spotlight with... Barbara Millard

A series of creative workshops at a local college have proven so successful they will be running again after Easter.

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) is re-running the 5-week Creative Experience course starting with a FREE taster session on Tuesday 24 April from 6.30 – 8.30pm.

The course is designed to help local adults all ages and backgrounds to explore their creativity in a range of areas including Photography, Print and Visual Studies, Ceramics, Textiles and Fashion and 3D Craft and Jewellery Making. The course is flexible so adults can choose to focus on just one area or pick and mix the areas that interest the most.

We caught up with Barbara Millard, aged 58 from the Staffordshire Moorlands, who attended the course in January to find out what she enjoyed most about the course. 

“Over recent years I have attended different courses on Silversmithing (at NULC), working with Precious Metal Clay and most recently glass fusing. I now have a small workshop in my garden with an electric kiln where I make bespoke glass pieces, examples of which are on my website www.barbaramillard.co.uk.”

“To run a website, or sell online, you need good photographs. Glass is a difficult subject to photograph easily and it was annoying, and time consuming always having to ask more accomplished photographers than myself to take photos for me to display my work. When I saw the “Creative Experience” series of short courses advertised I thought it might give me some tips, or inspire me to pursue photography further.”

“I know I am not the only person to be frustrated these days at the lack of opportunity to explore new hobbies, without committing yourself to a long, often expensive course, usually with some sort of assessment at the end of it. All we want is to be able to explore our creative side in the company of like-minded people where success can be celebrated and the inevitable “mistakes” are not an issue! Although I plumped for photography on this occasion, I had the opportunity to have a look at the other courses on offer and there was something for all tastes and level of experience. Also the tutors seemed more than willing to explore different tastes and tailor what they offered to the make up of the class.”

“The equipment in the classes was of a very high spec and in the photography class we not only got to use the studio with its amazing lighting setup, but also to use the photo editing software in the dedicated computer suite. So not only did I pick up some valuable tips in actually taking the photos, but also in enhancing them so that they are fit for purpose. It was also fun seeing what other students produced and also hearing their take on how they would present my work. The teaching was very interactive and great fun.”

“So what next? I need to practise what I have learnt and have already acquired a tripod to help me.  I definitely feel more confident in my own photography skills and I am not intimidated by all the dials on my camera! I need to get some of my own pictures up on my website. “

“I would definitely recommend these courses to other people as a simple, low cost way to explore your creative side. You may find that, for example, you do not enjoy photography, but that actually you have a talent for printing or pottery. My fascination with glass started from seeing someone else’s work, wondering if I could do that and going on a short course. I was hooked. Creating your own stuff is challenging, relaxing, thought provoking, and you get to meet some interesting people along the way. I quite fancy ceramics next, but not sure I can afford yet another hobby........we shall see!”

For more information and to enroll, contact the Faculty of Art and Creative Studies on 01782 254323, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk/getcreative.

Creative students commissioned to produce Royal film

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has commissioned a group of its former creative students to produce a film documenting the College’s Royal visit from His Royal Highness the Duke of York.

Dave Hughes, Tom Pepper and Ben Pritchard all studied at the College’s state-of-the-art University Centre.

Dave Hughes, former NULC student and Creative Director of elloDave said: “This is the first time any of us have worked on a Royal event but we’ve all really enjoyed the project. The day was fantastic and went by in a flash. It was very rewarding to be involved in such a high profile project.”

Dave, from Bagnall, completed the HND in Graphic Design at NULC before going on to set up his own graphic design agency, elloDave based in the Staffordshire Moorlands. The agency has been running for three years and employs a number of former NULC creative students.

Dave continued: “The College has been really supportive both whilst I was studying there and since leaving. The quality of the creative students at NULC is phenomenal and students continually progress in to successful careers in the industry.”

Tom, aged 22 from Newcastle, studied the Foundation degree (Fd) in Graphics and Digital Design and went on to become a freelance videographer after completing his studies at NULC. He has worked on projects for companies including North Face and Touborg.

Ben, aged 25 from Sandbach, also studied the Fd in Graphics and Digital Design. He is now in his final year of a degree in Graphic Communication at the University of Wolverhampton and also works part-time for elloDave as a Graphic Designer.

During his time at NULC, Ben was commended for his film work when he won ‘Best Film’ in the over 18’s category at the 2011 Stoke Your Fires Festival. He also met local Oscar-winner Pete Bebb, another former NULC student, at the NULC Heatwave Film Festival in 2011.

Lucy King, Head of Marketing and Communications at NULC said: “The College is committed to helping our students gain the experience they need to succeed in the workplace.

“We’re recognised nationally for the quality of our art and creative courses, so it seemed the obvious answer to employ former students when we were looking for someone to capture the day in film.”

During his tour of the College on Thursday 8 March, HRH the Duke of York visited the visual media studio in the College’s bespoke University Centre, where he chatted to a number of students currently studying Fd’s in Graphics and Digital Design and Digital Media Production.

The College offers a range of university-level courses in partnership with Staffordshire University. To find out more, email info@nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254254 or visit www.nulc.ac.uk/he

To view the film documenting HRH the Duke of York’s visit to NULC visit the College’s YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/NewcastleULymeCol

Creative student opens 'pop up shop'

NULC student Amy Ostrouchow is setting up a pop up shop, where she will sell a range of handmade items.

Amy will be selling her lovely range of jewellery and other gifts at The Victoria Mill in Congleton.  The shop will be open to the public from Saturday 31 March for 2 weeks.

Amy, aged 22 from Longton is in her second year studying the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC’s dedicated University Centre.

To find out more about the range of creative Higher Education courses offered by NULC in partnership with Staffordshire University click here.

HRH the Duke of York meets creative students at NULC

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) was delighted to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of York to its campus.

The Duke of York visited NULC to help promote the work of colleges in providing high quality apprenticeships, work-based learning and business skills development.

After meeting local dignitaries in the College reception area, His Royal Highness was given a tour of the College by NULC Principal and Chief Executive Karen Dobson, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley.

The visit formed part of The Duke of York's work to encourage and inspire young people to develop the right skills, and to recognise and support the many apprenticeship schemes that are developing as a part of the Government's Skills and Innovation agenda.

He told students he hoped the College could help inspire them to "be more than you think you can be". The Duke of York added: "I can assure all of you young people that you have a great deal more potential than you probably realise or understand. Over the last 10 years I've been doing a huge amount for British business and I will continue to do so, because I believe in it, and I also believe you young people are the future of it."

The tour saw His Royal Highness visit the College's bespoke University Centre, where he met Foundation degree course leader Richard Hunter and viewed 'live' work produced for local businesses by students from the College's graphics and digital media production courses.

Lewis Booth, aged 18 from Norton, is studying the Foundation degree in Graphics and Digital Design.  Lewis said: "I won a competition to design a logo for Grindeys Solicitors so the Duke was asking me a lots of questions about that."

Principal Karen Dobson said: "I am very proud of the staff that helped pulled everything together and of course all the students who have done themselves real credit."

Find out more about the wide range of courses available for students of all ages, interests and skill levels at NULC at www.nulc.ac.uk, email info@nulc.ac.uk or call 01782 254254.

Students join forces to stage charity fashion show

Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College have joined forces to organise a charity fashion show.

Lights, Camera, Action will take place in the College's Auditorium on Tuesday 6 March, 7pm – 9pm.  Tickets cost £2.50 each with money raised going to the Uganda Humanist Schools Trust.

The event is a collaborative project between first year students studying the Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Art and Design, Graphics and Interactive Media, Music Technology and Photography. 

The students have worked together on a number of different aspects of putting together a Fashion Event. Art and Design students have designed and made the outfits for the catwalk show, Graphics and Interactive Media students designed the promotional material including posters and tickets.  Photography students have documented the process to make a slideshow of the ‘making of the show’ and Music Technology students have created music for a documentary video of the whole project. Additionally some of the garments produced for the Catwalk Show were made by students studying the Foundation Degree in Contemporary Art Practice.

On the evening students will be raising funds through a number of activities including a 'pop-cake' raffle, where you buy a cake on a numbered stick, having eaten the cake your number is in then entered in to the raffle.  There are a range of raffle prizes including vouchers for the Transform Spa, floristry vouchers, 6 months Gym membership at the Gordon Banks Sports Centre and workshop vouchers for the Peanut Gallery at Congleton Mill.

To find out more about the Ugandan Humanist School Trust click here.

Tickets are available from the Cash Office on the ground floor of the College.  Alternatively contact Jay Allen for more information jay.allen@nulc.ac.uk.

Charity Fashion Catwalk at NULC

NULC student recognised for graphic design talent

NULC student Samantha Dale has been recognised for her graphic design talent in a national competition.

Samantha, aged 22 was a runner up in the National Student Survey (NSS) competition.  The NSS competition organised by NUS was open to university students across the country.  They were looking for a slogan and poster design which would inspire students to get involved and participate in the NSS. Over 250,000 students complete the survey every year and the results have helped to change the experiences of millions of students.

Richard Hunter, Curriculum Leader for Graphics and Digital Design urged his students to enter the competition as part of their class work as he thought it would be a good learning curve and help students to manage their workload by working on live briefs.

Samantha from Brown Edge is her first year studying the Foundation degree in Graphics and Digital Design at NULC’s dedicated University Centre.  The range of University-level courses taught at NULC are offered in partnership with Staffordshire University.

Samantha said: “My lecturer has been a massive help, he’s a fantastic designer and very inspiring. He’s always on hand to show us how we can improve and become the best designers.”

She continues: “We were given the brief as a group so when we had finished our designs, the class got together and we had a group critic which made me make changes to my work before I sent it off. I was very please with my final design.”

Speaking of her aspirations for the future Samantha said: “My biggest wildest dream which I would love is to work for a fashion magazine.  Being recognised in national competitions like this will look really good in portfolio when I come to applying for jobs, so I am really pleased to be placed as runner-up.”

To find out more about studying the Foundation degree in Graphics and Digital Design click here or contact the Information Point on info@nulc.ac.uk or 01782 254254.