University of Chester Fine Art students spreading Christmas cheer

Dec 4 2009 By James Shepherd

Fine Art students involved in the fundraising campaign are pictured in their Christmas character outfits along with some of their art work.

A group of Fine Art students at the University of Chester are getting into the Christmas spirit early by organising a hat-trick of fundraising events this month.

The students, all in the third year of their course at the University, are working towards their final Degree Show to be held at the Faculty of Art & Design Kingsway Buildings in June. They hope to then tour this exhibition to a top art gallery in Liverpool or Manchester and are looking to raise at least £5000 to cover some of the costs.

Chloe Roberts, from York, is one of the students involved in the fundraising drive. Chloe said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to show off our work at a real exhibition, hosted by one of the country’s top art galleries. By organising these events we are hoping that people will support what we are doing and help give us that opportunity.

“We are really excited to be involved in a project like this. We think the events we are organising are fun and show our level of commitment to our studies.”

The first of the three events was due to take place at the Frog and Nightingale pub in Chester city centre on Tuesday, December 1. A collection of local bands were set to take to the stage for a gig, with a raffle also due to take place.

That was followed on December 2, 2009, when the students took part in a Christmas Character Walk around the famous city walls, each dressed as a different character from Christmas.

The third and final event will be held at the Parkgate Road campus of the University on December, 9. The students will put on a small art fair at which the public are able to view and buy some of the students’ work. There will also be other amenities on the day, such as a cake sale and hand-made crafts and jewellery stall.

If you are interested in sponsoring the students, or attending the small art fair, please contact Chloe at 0815073@chester.ac.uk