Huge accolade for A Level Art student exhibiting her painting at prestigious London galleries

Congratulations must go to Ellen Lear, an A Level Art student who has recently had her work exhibited at two prestigious art galleries in London, including the Mall galleries and the Lloyd’s gallery. Ellen’s work was selected at the A Level art exhibition and submitted on behalf of IDFAS (Ipswich Decorative and Fine Art Society) amongst many works from all around the country to be considered for the exhibition hosted by NADFAS and the Royal Society of British Artists. The National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies – or simply NADFAS - has 98,000 members in more than 375 Societies throughout the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They also work with young people around the country to encourage and enhance their appreciation and understanding of art and our artistic heritage through their Young Arts and grant programmes.

The collaboration between NADFAS and the Royal Society of British Artists came about following a pilot project in East Anglia in 2009. There, Societies organised an exhibition of work chosen from eleven schools and two students’ work was selected to go forward to the RBA annual exhibition, including Northgate High School. The project was opened up to NADFAS Societies across the UK. This year fifty five Societies supported the venture and they submitted a staggering 348 images of original student work including paintings, ceramics and sculpture. The challenge was for RBA President James Horton and his fellow council members to select work which combined the highest levels of skill, expression and draughtsmanship.

Darren Beattie, Head of Art & Design, was proud to attend the award ceremony with Ellen and was very impressed with the high quality of work on display, representing the very best of A level work nationally. It is an invaluable opportunity to showcase students’ talent to a wider audience, and in seeking to make the Arts accessible to all.