An annual art competition is helping year S1 and S2 pupils map out their future career pathways.
The competition ‘My Future Aspirations’ held by Aberdeen recruitment company, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment, is currently in its 7th year, with the winning entry for 2015 being one of the most ambitious sculptures presented to date.
The competition, which asks pupils from across Aberdeen City and Shire to create a self-portrait in any medium, depicting their career goals, has been won by 13 year old sculptor Millie Wark of Lathallan School near Montrose. Her skillfully observed driftwood horsehead was selected from over 100 entrants and depicts her ambition to become an equine vet. It will take centre stage in a show of work hosted by the Grampian Hospital Arts Trust (GHAT), at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) and The Suttie Centre for Teaching and Learning throughout December and January.
GHAT is an independent charity based in ARI which works in partnership with NHS Grampian to improve healthcare spaces for patient, visitor and staff benefit. The results of their work can be seen throughout the hospitals of the North East - on the walls as part of the GHAT Art Collection and projects in new and refurbished buildings and wards, where artists worked with the staff and patients to create unique and interesting spaces.
GHAT’s Director, Sally Thomson says “The pupils work in this exhibition shows the developing talent for art and design, and creative thinking, which can be found in our schools, and maybe the potential arts graduates of the future.”
Thorpe Molloy Managing Director Karen Molloy, explains: “The judges unanimously agreed that Millie’s sculpture of an Equine Vet is exceptional. It’s intricate design and imaginative use of material is unique and highly accomplished. Millie’s mature approach to interpreting the brief, combined with her talent, has created a piece of art which is highly engaging and of such calibre that it could be displayed in any professional art gallery.”
Karen continues “As a recruitment company we are passionate about extending opportunities across the North East and developing a creative and resourceful workforce for the future. Not only does this task ask entrants to envisage what certain occupations could look and feel like, it also begins the important process of road mapping how they may get there.”
“The fact that we are holding the exhibition at ARI indicates the momentum this initiative has gained over the years. It also speaks to the role of the Arts in a healthy, vibrant economy too - not only does the creative sector play a strong role in the fields of physical and mental health but it also presents a great learning tool. This competition exemplifies how creative skillsets and thinking extend across many sectors.”