In an exciting week for budding artists, the Independent Schools Association (ISA) announced the winners of its National Art Competition. This annual competition provides the opportunity to showcase the talent of students of all ages in over 670 independent schools in the UK, helping to promote innovation and excellence in teaching Art. Following three wins, five 2nd place entries and six highly commended pieces of artwork in the Regional Competition, students at New Hall School in Chelmsford celebrated National successes in the textiles and fashion genres.

Aria Olatunde in Year 8 was very excited to have won the KS3 Textiles category with her felt artwork inspired by Edvard Munch’s ‘The Scream.’ The carefully crafted piece had earned her a prize for ‘Artistic Merit’ at a Regional level.

2023-24 alumna Celeste Bunch was awarded 2nd place in the KS5 Textiles category. Now a Textile Design student at Loughborough University, Celeste had previously won the ISA Community Art Competition in 2023 for a functional art installation comprising positive notes from members of the school community.

Year 13 student Aidan Clifford continues to grow his fashion portfolio, ahead of his A Level examinations and assessments this academic year. His ‘Epaulettes’, which won the Regional competition and was ‘Highly Commended’ in the KS5 Fashion & Accessories categories at National level, is an impressive addition to the portfolio of the budding designer.

Mr Gareth Hughes, Head of Art at New Hall School, commented on the successes, “We are exceptionally proud of our young artists; their talents and achievements transcend artistic value. In partnerships with NHVS, our school’s voluntary service, the Art Department runs a charity sewing club in support of The Pachamama Project. Art students, such as our three award winners, have been exceptionally helpful at supporting this club, which fights ‘period poverty’ through the sewing and distribution of specially designed reusable sanitary towels.  Using their own skills and talent, they have helped to train and motivate new students to learn to sew.”

Supported by these competition accolades and the popularity of the charity sewing club, the teachers at New Hall hope to grow a love of creativity and handmade fashion as they impart this useful skill to more young people, helping to raise awareness of sustainability and individuality in a world of fast fashion.