The 2024 Gray’s School of Art degree show delivers, offering great treasures in the form of creative endeavour by like-minded individuals. This creative collective of people, are captured in this moment and united as one, just as they are about to pause before their onward journeys, to go forth and to make their mark in this world and be the best they can be.
During the opening ceremony Dr Dan Allen, the Dean of Gray’s School of Art gave a wonderful heart felt endorsement to the enterprising graduates and their exceptionally hard working staff, but a rebel rouser was in their midst and dared to raise her voice.
The call of the nearby Oyster Catcher cut through the speeches for a brief moment, perhaps reminding us that we are not alone and that these snappily dressed birds return each year to this very same spot.
Her call carries me back some 40 years, when, as a young painting student, the oyster catchers looked on from above, just as my graduation year took our leap of fun and faith in the very same sheltered spot.
The early 80s would be our time and we each would pursue and follow our own creative paths.
As the catcher call echoes in the air once more, I am carried forward in time to the RGU Art and Heritage student awards of 2024. The award winners step forward, enthusiastically cheered on by friends, family, and fellow graduates and the applause circles and merges seamlessly with the bird call.
I reflect upon the spirit of that moment, a spirit of togetherness and achievement. It strikes me that the role of RGU Art and Heritage is to collect and share examples of these achievements through time and to celebrate our young creators whilst capturing, as best we can, these valuable moments.
Our challenge is to protect memories.
As the Oyster catchers protect their young, our purpose must be to protect our cherished objects and remember the creators. The catchers watch over us, culturally aware perhaps, and surely deserving of honorary alumni status in this special place.
In their forever choice destination, we share this place of creative nurture with them, sheltered and embraced by the wings of the gentle giant that is Gray’s School of Art.
Almost time to fly once more little birds. Safe journeys.
Until the next time…
George Cheyne
Collections Coordinator
RGU Art and Heritage
rguartandheritage.wordpress.com 