NEXT week sees the opening of one of the most eagerly awaited arts events of the year as final year students at Hereford College of Arts showcase their work at the annual Summer Show exhibition, which last year welcomed more than 5,000 visitors in five days.

Students across the educational programme: BA (Hons), Foundation Degrees, Diplomas, the Portfolio Course and the Contact Course will be exhibiting their final work which - for the first time - will be held at both College campuses; Folly Lane and College Road.

The show's run has been extended this year to meet the level of interest, starting on Saturday, June 14 and continuing until Saturday, June 21.

demand of those visiting, beginning on Saturday 14th June and concluding the following week on Saturday 21st June. As always, the show features high levels of creativity and originality, from performance art, film and photography, through to HCA’s internationally recognised craft-based courses.

Among those with work on show is Marek Liska who will exhibit his work as part of the Extended Diploma in Art & Design. Marek came to the UK four years ago with his family, and when he arrived he couldn’t speak English, but his art teacher, who was originally from the Czech Republic, was able to communicate with him and noticed his talent in art. Marek went on to gain some fantastic GSCE grades and now speaks fluent English. Marek has also worked with SHYPP (Supported Housing for Young People Project) which whom he became involved following family difficulties. He loves working with clay and adding science to his art and will be moving on from HCA to study his degree at Cardiff School of Art and Design.

The Summer Show provides an important platform for students to ‘make themselves visible’ before leaving the college for pastures new; either into the creative industries or progression onto further courses at the college, or at other institutions across the UK. It is also an opportunity for family, friends, visiting students and lecturers from other colleges, and the general public to view the creativity and talent of individual students, many of whom have already made a name for themselves in the creative industries, from selling designs to prestigious fashion houses, as BA (Hons) Textile Designs students did, showing their work at top exhibitions, to being commissioned to produce work for a wide variety of commercial projects, for example the BA (Hons) Jewellery Design and BA (Hons) Contemporary Applied Arts students who designed jewellery for Henryka in Hereford.

The Summer Show is also a perfect opportunity for prospective students to find out more about the courses and progression opportunities; the College welcomes new enquiries and applications for courses starting in September 2014, and there will be a dedicated Open Day on Saturday, June 14 for those interested in courses at HCA.

Summer Show opening hours are Saturday/Sunday: 11am to 3pm and weekdays: 11am to 7pm. Everyone is welcome to visit and there is no entrance fee.

For further details about the Show and Open Day, visit hca.ac.uk or call 01432 273359.