September has seen plenty of success for the Downe House Creative Arts Department, who continue to wow us with their talent and hard work.

Artist of the Month: September 2021

Congratulations Sienna (Holcombe, LVI), who is Downe House’s Artist of the Month in recognition of her amazing GCSE coursework submission, her dedication to the subject and her independent endeavours. Sienna’s project ‘Everyday Life’ began by looking at crustaceans, carrying out studies in a range of media from her own source photography, which she then scaled to a mixed-media lobster on MDF, which included 3D elements. In recognition of Sienna’s work, and testament to her dedicated attitude, Sienna has been awarded an Art Scholarship as she enters Sixth Form. Congratulations Sienna!

‘September Ceramics’ Exhibition at City Arts, Newbury

Downe House pupils took part in the latest exhibition at the City Arts in Newbury, a local community Arts hub. The exhibition, ‘September Ceramics’ featured work by prominent local potters, and schools were invited to submit ceramic work. We are delighted to have some Remove ceramic houses and Upper Fourth ‘Tea bots’ shortlisted in the competition, which aimed to recognise the work of up-and-coming ceramicists.

Well done to all the girls for the submissions, and a special mention to those who were shortlisted:

Under 14 category: Alice, Anne-Sophie, Gabriella, Imogen, Lajha, Sasha and Millie (all LIV).

14–18 years category: Harriet, Millie, Sophie, Isabella, Ophelia (all LV) and former pupil Chiara.

Congratulations to Alice (LIV) and Millie (LV) for achieving 2^nd place in their categories, and Imogen (LIV) for 3^rd place in the U14 category. Former pupil, Chiara, won 1^st prize in the 14-18 years category for her magnificent GCSE sculpture of an African lady. Excellent work girls.

Read more about the exhibition and see some of the sculptures at Newbury Today.

Downe House Alumna Selected for Royal Academy Exhibition

Eliza Downes (DH 2017) is a London based artist, and Downe House Alumna, whose painting has recently been selected for The 253^rd Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, curated by Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, which runs from 22 September 2021 to 2 January 2022. This year, the exhibition explores the theme of ‘Reclaiming Magic’, celebrating the transformative powers of the magical in art.

Eliza’s still life oil painting ‘Sunset, Sunflowers and Shells’ showcases a vase of sunflowers and uses bright colours and bold patterns to excite the viewer. Congratulations Eliza on your selection and we look forward to seeing more of your work in the upcoming years.

See the painting on the Royal Academy website here and make sure to visit The Summer Exhibition!

To view more of Eliza’s work, visit her website here.

Keep up to date with our Creative Arts department on Instagram @downe_house_creativearts and learn more about the Department at the Creatives Arts page.