DISCOVERING new artistic talent is always exciting and there's plenty to focus on in the Kendal College year end showcase.

The 2018 Open Studio exhibition highlights the diversity and quality of work being produced by the college's highly imaginative art and design students, who have responded to their own briefs, through a variety of artistic disciplines and approaches, ranging from fashion design to photography. The exhibition includes foundation studies in art and design, foundation studies in photography, second year level three extended diploma and level two art and design.

Lecturer Sorrel Stratford said that the added appeal of the exhibition was the broad range of subject specialisms and thought provoking themes that have emerged. There is a textile designer researching the impact of the leather industry on the environment, a photographer exploring gender, and an illustrator researching the criminal justice system. Additionally, there's been plenty of locally related topics in the creative mix with students exploring the impact of plastics on the local environment and the Lake District as a managed landscape.

Sorrel added that they were proud to be able to say that it has been another successful year for the art students at the college: "It is fantastic to see so many new dynamic and creative individuals coming from the local area.

"The team of staff are really pleased that all the art students, who had applied to go on to university, have landed a place on their first choice campus."

The Kendal College annual exhibition is on show in the Creative Arts Centre and open to all from June 19 until June 28, Tuesday to Thursday, from noon-5pm.