UCOL BLOG

​Kathryn Wightman, a successful glass artist from the United Kingdom, has accepted the permanent full time position of Glass Tutor at Whanganui UCOL – Quay School of the Arts.

Kathryn will teach at the Whanganui Glass School when she arrives next term. Whanganui UCOL Head of Creative Programmes Sally Jane deSalazar is looking forward to having Kathryn on board, and said Kathryn is a dedicated hot glass and kiln glass artist in her own right, and well qualified for the role. The three year glass diploma taught at Whanganui’s Glass School is an internationally recognised programme and is not taught anywhere else in New Zealand. Read More: “New Tutor for Glass School”…

​Whanganui UCOL’s popular Certificate in Art and Design level four programme will also be offered in Palmerston North from next month.

Whanganui UCOL Head of Creative Programmes Sally-Jane de Salazar said “there is a gap in Palmerston North for a qualification at this level, and this is an opportunity for us. Our certificate provides a natural pathway for people interested in art and design but who aren’t yet ready to enrol in a degree programme. It appeals to people who want to create and find out more about original art and design. It can also be used as a foundation programme for those who want to go on to further study on our arts and design degree programmes.

“The Certificate in Art and Design appeals to school leavers with an interest in the creative industries and practicing artists or designers who want to broaden their practice or create employment opportunities. Students learn about drawing, painting, computer graphic design, and New Zealand art history. Read More: “Arts and Design Degrees Get Potential Boost”…

Valentine II

The debut of Whanganui UCOL School of Fashion graduate is being featured as a highlight of Wellington Fashion week.

Kelsey’s label, Kelsey Genna, will make its debut at Wellington Fashion Week, held from 18 April to 22 April.

Designs by 20 year old Kelsey feature in The Dominion Post’s Life publication this week, described as from “the hot new label”.

Kelsey Thompson has spent the past 12 months establishing her brand since graduating from Whanganui UCOL with a Bachelor in Fashion.

The Dominion Post reports that all her pieces are made in Wellington and styles are limited to editions of 10.

The label is online at kelseygenna.com. Since launching, most of her customers are based overseas. “Wellington Fashion Week should be a good way to get a little local exposure,” Kelsey says.

Parfait Dress

You can view the Dominion Post story at http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/culture/6649774/Wellington-Fashion-Week-first-in-line

Check Kelsey Genna out on Facebook Here

Award-wining graduate Sarah Williams says the Quay School of the Arts at Whanganui UCOL has been a huge part of her life for the past four years.

“During the years of studying towards my Bachelor of Fine Arts, I have built friendships and bonds and a bank of knowledge to last a lifetime,” she says.

Sarah will graduate at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium. Read More: “Sarah has the drive for success as an artist”…

Beauty Therapist graduate Richelle Hopkinson already runs her own salon in Whanganui.

The 41 year old was named top student during her Certificate in Beauty Therapy studies in 2010. She was again recognised last year in the Diploma in Beauty Therapy programme, with the top student and the best Advanced Makeup prizes.

Richelle will graduate at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony  at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium.

Whanganui-born Richelle was always keen to pursue a career in nursing or beauty therapy. “When I heard there was a beauty course at Whanganui UCOL, I jumped in!” she says. Read More: “Richelle provides top beauty therapy”…

Jess Van Der Lee admits she was rather rebellious and lacked social skills throughout her school years.

“I’m not naturally what you would call a people person,” she says. “But I’ve always been really comfortable around computers.”

The result? Jess will graduate with two qualifications at Whanganui UCOL’s graduation ceremony  at 1 pm tomorrow at the Jubilee Stadium. Read More: “Double graduation for computer buff Jess”…