Talented college art student wins bursary

An inspiring and thought-provoking piece of artwork highlighting the devastating human impact of war has earned a Derby College Group student a bursary.

Art and design student Leo Walton is the recipient of this year’s Bryan Harris Bursary from the Arts Society Derby.

The annual award, which has increased to £500 this year, was judged by society members Vikki Fitt, Anita Pearson and Bill Jones.

Five students from the Joseph Wright post-16 Academic and Arts College were shortlisted, with Leo’s mixed-media work chosen as the overall winner.

The Bryan Harris bursary is awarded to a Derby College Group art and design student who demonstrates outstanding creativity, technical skill and personal expression in their final major project, with the bursary supporting their progression into higher education or a creative career.

Tracey Ramsdale, teacher of art and design at DCG, said: “Leo has made such incredible progress during his time at college and this award is a testament to his hard work, imagination and growing confidence as an artist.

“The judges were impressed by the originality and message of his piece, and how skilfully he employed a range of techniques to powerful effect.”