Y11 Art and Design pupils studying for their OCN Crafts qualification, this week visited the Braid Arts Centre and Midtown Makers in Ballymena to see and hear first hand about the creative industries. At the Braid Arts Centre pupils were welcomed by the Arts and Heritage Officer Jayne Clarke and got to view the current exhibition ‘Beautiful Work: Artists and Makers and the Creative Process’ as well as sit down and chat to 5 of the exhibiting artists from County Antrim Open Studios, Vine Haugh, Vera McCullough, Lorna Shannon, Jane Lloyd and Louisa Kelly. This was a wonderful insight into what inspires, how to create, exhibiting and earning an income. Later Jim Stevenson from Midtown Makers welcomed us and discussed all the mentoring and financial opportunities available to them and how their organisation can support them as young makers. Of course no trip would be complete without a quick stop into Dougies Goodies to keep the energy levels up!
