Art and design students put their creative talents on show at Stockton Riverside College’s summer exhibition.

The annual event is a platform for levels 1, 2 and 3 learners, to showcase their work and receive feedback from an external audience, many for the first time.

“This year’s show is exceptional,” said Liz Dixon, course leader for art and design. “The standards are really high and students have worked hard.”

Themes explored include structure, balance, symbolism and freedom.

Liz explained: “Some have taken the theme quite literally while others interpret it much more conceptually.”

Giving the exhibition a fresh new look, she added: “The word I would use for this year’s exhibition is uplifting.”

Among those exhibiting their work to families, friends and special guests, was art and design student Leonie.

The 20-year-old from Thornaby joined the college on the level 1 course and has now progressed all the way to level 3.

“It has been such a good experience for me,” said Leonie. “When I first walked into the college, I didn’t know what to expect. In my first year I didn’t want to try any physical art, now I am here showing shoes and a jacket.

“It is crazy how much I have grown as a person and how much I am capable of now.”

Recognition awards were handed out to individuals from each year group with a special overall award for Leonie.

Looking back at her time at the college, she explained: “It is such a good community of teachers and the people you meet on the course. I have really opened up.”

And of creating and seeing her work on show, she added: “I can’t explain how much I love it. It is a passion.”

New for September 2026, Leonie is among those planning to continue studying at the college moving on to the Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise.

For details about our art and design courses visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/art-design

 Apply now for courses starting this September.