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Showcasing The Next Generation of Ulster's Creative Talent

12 December 2011

A stunning Christmas selling exhibition of exquisite, hand-crafted ceramics, glass, jewellery and silversmithing is opening this evening (Monday December 12) at the University of Ulster’s Belfast campus.

Visitors can buy from over 150 items on display in the foyer, each an inspirational example of the skills and capabilities of Northern Ireland’s future creative talent.

The unique pieces from around 25 second year, ceramics, silversmithing and jewellery students will make perfect Christmas gifts and should appeal to all tastes and age ranges.

Ceramics students are exhibiting works which include sculptural horses, porcelain cups and saucers and pâté de verre glass, while silversmithing and jewellery students might tickle your fancy with feather rings, worry doll brooches and silver earrings.

County Down Silversmith, Cara Murphy – who recently presented a magnificent, specially commissioned and much-acclaimed desk set to Prime Minister, David Cameron – is one of the organisers of the four day event.

“The emphasis of this exhibition is to show the public quality pieces of applied art and to offer visitors the opportunity to see for themselves our emerging, creative talent,” said Cara, who is Associate Lecturer in Silversmithing and Jewellery at the Belfast campus.

“The exhibition is a culmination of the dedication and hard work from ceramics, silversmithing and jewellery students during the last semester – and is well worth a visit.

“It’s really exciting to be able to showcase their talents and this platform will allow the public to choose the exhibitors they will look out for in the following years’ degree shows.

“In September 2012 the University of Ulster is starting a new BA Honours Contemporary Applied Arts course and this exhibition will give the public a preview of what students will be able to achieve while studying on this course.”

Clive Fiddis, joint director of the new course, added: “This selling exhibition builds upon earlier successful ceramics, silversmithing and jewellery Christmas events and represents the best of the students’ work.”

Cara and Clive are hoping the exhibition will encourage the public to enroll in one of a number of night classes which begin in the Belfast campus in the New Year.

These include beginner and intermediate classes in Silver Jewellery, Silversmithing, Glass and Ceramics.

For more information on the night classes, pick up a leaflet at the exhibition or contact the University of Ulster Student Services  on 028 95367370.

The Contemporary Applied Arts Exhibition opens this evening from 5pm until 8pm. It will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am until 5pm and on Thursday from 10am until 8pm.