Drawing exhibition gives boost to adult learners
The exhibition, which draws to a close at the end of this week, showcases the work of 110 amateur and professional artists studying at one of 25 adult education nstitutions in London, and aims to highlight the importance of drawing and learning throughout adult life.
The entries received were of a fantastic standard, and represented a diverse range of entrants ranging from 19 year olds to those in their 80s, and stay-at-home mums to chartered accountants. For many, learning to draw has been an important turning point in their lives, whether it’s helped with the transition into retirement, provided a better work/life balance, boosted confidence or provided relief from health problems.
A number of exceptional entries were selected for special prizes by a distinguished panel of judges including Anya Sainsbury, Sue Grayson Ford, Director of the Campaign for Drawing, and Jacqueline Morreau and Professor Eileen Hogan of the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation.
Stephanie Greenslade, a student at Morley College and winner of the Drawing from the Imagination category said of her experience: “I was delighted and surprised to have received a prize, particularly bearing in mind the many excellent and varied entries from equally distinguished colleges from across London. Winning was something I had not considered, but it just goes to show that after a few bad years of increasing ill-health and having been diagnosed with a brain tumour that affects my right side and painting hand, something worthwhile can still be achieved.”
Fellow prizewinner, Rouhi Peck, 65, said: “ My immediate feeling was one of overwhelming joy…Being selected for the prize has inspired me to further my drawing skills, and I’m using the prize money for a short art holiday to John Constable’s country in Essex and Suffolk. It was a joy to be part of the exhibition and surrounded by such amazing talent. I think that it’s great that it was open to all age groups, which shows that it’s never too late to learn!”
Visitors to the show still have until 2pm on Tuesday 7 June to nominate their favourite entry for the People’s Prize – an award of £200 to be presented to the exhibitor who receives the most public votes throughout the exhibition. The prize will be awarded to the winning entry during a special presentation on Wednesday 8 June.
The Rootstein Hopkins Foundation Drawing Exhibition runs until 11 June and entry is free. It is the first of a series of biennial exhibitions supported by the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation, with the next due to take place in 2013.
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