'…emerging, evolving…' is an exhibition which aims to promote the diverse routes into further and higher education in the visual arts. Rachel Arkwright, Catherine Bryan and Ruth Isherwood are all currently in residence at Drumcroon. Their studios are open to visitors and reflect a diverse range of practice in ceramics, paint and textiles. They have all graduated from degree courses in the last three years and enable us to consider the experiences of students as they emerge from courses and begin to establish themselves. The years immediately following a degree are extremely important. The show aims to document their experiences and looks at the choices that the artists have made, and some of the opportunities that have been created.

Click here to download the teacher notes for emerging,evolving as a 'PDF'.

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The work from the Contemporary Crafts BA Honours course at Manchester Metropolitan University reflects some of the degree work of recent graduates. The craft maker Karen Shapley, a graduate from several years ago is also included. Karen has established a reputation with her company, Engaging Domestics, and her work is an opportunity to show the importance of promoting and marketing work, whilst still continuing to develop new ideas and take risks, an approach firmly cultivated during her degree course. Students are encouraged to engage with ideas, materials and processes that demonstrate connections made to the contemporary world. The Contemporary Crafts BA celebrates the opportunity to create objects that are useful to society and well made - objects that serve a purpose, either functional, decorative or thought provoking. Considering the context into which their work can be placed and understood is a mantra that underlies the course.