The Art department in New-Bridge Integrated College were delighted to host Belgian artists in residence, Design Academy of Eindhoven graduates Archibald Godts and Teresa Bastek (the duo professionally known as Studio Plastique).

 

Since January, the year 11 and 13/14 classes have had the privilege of being taught from their studio in Belgium via skype  by these two contemporary, cutting edge artists who have been delivering exciting and challenging lessons where they have been exploring the textile linen. We were honoured to receive a place on the LINEN LAB project where young people take a fresh look at linen in this programme of creative collaboration with the FE Mc William Gallery. The dynamic Linen Lab team of professional artists and designers share their experimental creative processes in schools and colleges as well as the gallery itself. The results of this collaboration will be seen in an exhibition in October 2019.

 

The pupils accompanied our Belgium visitors along with Louise Rice, representative of the FE McWillams gallery and local artist Deborah Malcolmson on a tour of McConville’s linen mill in Dromore for an insight into the processes associated with Linen production.  Students also attended facilitated workshops in the College art department led by Studio Plastique where they were taught weaving skills.  Mrs McKeown, Head of Art, commented ‘We were delighted to welcome our Belgium visitors to personally meet the students who have been liaising by skype in the Linen Lab programme of study.  The experience of working first hand with the artists has given our students a unique insight into creativity and innovation and the importance of design in the workplace’.