Foundation Diploma Art, Design and Media Practice students collaborated to host a diverse and creative end of year exhibition of their work at the South West College (SWC), Erne campus on Thursday, 19th of May.

Joined together by family, friends, tutors and the local community, the showcase exhibition displayed a broad range of fine art specialism from painting, ceramics, sculpture and textiles while dealing with a range of personal, mature and current issues.

Foundation Diploma Art, Design and Media practice students exhibiting work on the evening included Maureen Mc Loughlin, Angela Moore, Lauren Crooke, Rory Donohoe, Tara Duggan, Jack McNulty, Celine Murphy, Lynn Wills, Ana Lisa Nita and Elicia Stephens.

The ten students explored themes close to their hearts while also being outward-looking, considering current international issues.

Maureen's landscape piece entitled 'Journey' was inspired by the commute to College and passing through Glencar, Leitrim and Sligo across the border to Co. Fermanagh.


Angela's 'Thoughts of Ukraine' Textiles, Embroidery and Sculpture piece was influenced by the current Ukrainian refugee crisis and was inspired by Maria Prymachenko, a highly respected self-taught Ukrainian Folk artist.


Lauren's 'Ceramic Utensils' work looks at Feminism and the ongoing idea that society has about women and the idea that men still believe that women cannot achieve the same as men.


Rory's 'Edifice' - Landscape Painting piece has been influenced by the work and symbolism of fantasy and sci-fi artist Zdzisław Beksiński.


Tara completed the Extended Diploma in Art and Design at SWC prior and is passionate about painting and drawing. Her 'Imaginary Friends' - Painting, Collage and Drawing piece has been influenced by David Hockney's disjointed photography, and her work aims to show the effect drugs can have on you through the heart and mind.


Jack has a background in Creative Media at the College and has developed his sculptural skills in clay over the last few years. His piece 'Bank of the Gulags' Terracotta, Ceramic Sculpture has been influenced by the Russian/Ukraine conflict and its effect on European countries and commodities.


Celine studied at SWC for four years, completing L2 in Creative Media Production and the Extended Diploma in Creative Media. Her work 'Pride' - Parade Banners, Painting and Collage, has been developed around a strong personal interest in the LGBTQ+ community.


Lynn's work entitled 'Kalyna' - Home Place Ceramic Sculptures with 'Russian dolls' portray the hope of Ukrainians, even in these terrible circumstances using colour pattern and figurative storytelling.


Ana Lisa studied at SWC for three years, completing the Extended Diploma in Art and Design before this course. Her work 'The Male Gaze' - Sculpture and Painting has been inspired by the female body and Feminism and has been motivated by the male gaze and how women have been overly sexualised.


Elicia likes to create art with a meaning and a purpose that cultivates a reaction. Her 'Connect the Dots' Painting and Drawing work explores the over-sexualisation of children in modern media, as well as making a comment on how this is marketed to children.


During the exhibition, students had the opportunity to discuss their work with those in attendance, followed by short speeches from Claire Fiddaman, Head of the Creative Arts School, and Course Coordinator at the College, Patricia Fox.

Speaking at the event, Patricia said:

"This is our first show in two years and our first time exhibiting here in the brand-new Erne Campus. It is a real joy to be here, surrounded by such diverse and creative work. These students have surprised and amazed me by being brave and bold, pushing their ideas and materials.

I would like to thank everyone involved and the students for all your hard work and determination, as well as your friends and families for their support throughout the year. It has been an absolute pleasure to see you all grow and develop, and I wish you every success in the future."

As the event came to a close, Karen McManus from AIB and Ken from Ken Ramsey's Picture Framing announced their chosen winners, with Lynn and Elicia awarded for their achievements.

All ten students exhibiting work have a variety of career goals, with many students set to continue their higher education at SWC, others will progress to University, and some will pursue entrepreneurial projects.

To find out more or to apply for a course in Art, Design and Media, see below.



Art, Design and Media

OCN NI Level 3 Award in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies (Dark Room Techniques or Creative Writing)

Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Part-Time

The modules chosen reflect the skills and knowledge required to undertake activities of the Graphic Design sector. The creative and digital technologies sectors are recognised as growth areas within the economy. The OCN NI Creative Arts and Digital Technologies qualifications have been designed to meet emerging skills requirements in these sectors. The Level 3 Award offers a wide range ...

View OCN NI Level 3 Award in Creative Arts and Digital Technologies (Dark Room Techniques or Creative Writing)

BA (Hons) Visual Media Arts (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University)

Enniskillen Higher Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 6 Full-Time Part-Time

The BA Honours Visual Media Arts has been designed to allow students to embrace their creativity while learning industry standard processes relevant to the creation of content for the film and game industries. Course design has been informed by extensive consultation with industry experts to ensure that all our graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitive world...

View BA (Hons) Visual Media Arts (Top-Up) (Validated by The Open University)

Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts (Validated by The Open University)

Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 5 Full-Time Part-Time

The Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts has been designed to allow students to embrace their creativity while learning industry standard processes relevant to the creation of content for the film and game industries. Course design has been informed by extensive consultation with industry experts to ensure that all our graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in the competitiv...

View Foundation Degree Visual Media Arts (Validated by The Open University)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice

Enniskillen Further Education Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Part-Time

This foundation co​urse is highly practical and designed to support the development of creative skills and a comprehensive portfolio of work for progression to university. This qualification has been designed around holistic, explorative, and integrated creative teaching approaches that are conducive to deep learning and skills development, preparing learners for progression. Content an...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice

Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Art Practice)

Enniskillen Higher Education Art, Design and Creative Level 5 Full-Time

The HND in Art & Design (Art Practice) is an innovative course designed to nurture your creative potential and build your knowledge in the arts industry. This course will prepare you for a successful career as a visual artist. The combination of units will allow you to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the area of art and design practice. The curriculum mixes research, p...

View Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Art Practice)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Games)

Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

The Extended Diploma Creative Media Practice (Game Design), equivalent to 3 A-Levels, is a 2-year full-time course that is all about hands-on game development. Students design and create content suitable for games using industry-trending software such as 3DS Max/Maya/ Blender, Rizom UV, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine (You have most likely seen or played games that have use...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Games)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

The Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A levels, is a two-year, full-time course that meets entry requirements for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in creative media areas before entering employment.. This qualification has been designed to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to further education, higher education and t...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Creative Media Practice

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Games Design)

Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

The 540 Diploma Creative Media Practice (Game Design), equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels, is a 1-year full-time course that is all about hands-on game development. Students design and create content suitable for games using industry-trending software such as 3DS Max/Maya/ Blender, Rizom UV, Substance Painter and Unreal Engine (You have most likely seen or played games that have used t...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Creative Media Practice (Games Design)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Creative Media Practice

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

The 540 Diploma, equivalent to 1.5 A levels, is for learners who are looking to study creative media as a one-year, full-time course and for those who wish to take it alongside another area of contrasting or complementary study, as part of a two-year, full-time study programme. This qualification has been designed to provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to pro...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Creative Media Practice

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice

Enniskillen Further Education Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

This foundation co​urse is highly practical and designed to support the development of creative art, design and media skills and a comprehensive portfolio of work for progression to university. This qualification has been designed around holistic, explorative, and integrated creative teaching approaches that are conducive to deep learning and skills development, preparing learners for p...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Dungannon Enniskillen Further Education Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

This BTEC in Art and Design Practice will guide you through the different specialties of Art and Design you may want to study in the future and will assist you in putting together a portfolio of work suitable for applying to Further and Higher Degree or Foundation courses of your choice. This course is suitable for prospective students who have completed their GCSE or A Level Art and want...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Art, Design and Creative Level 3 Full-Time

This is only a one-year course and is subject to student numbers, there is a possibility of topping up to Year 2 subject to student numbers. The 540 Diploma, equivalent to 1.5 A Levels, is for learners who are looking to study art and design as a one-year, full-time course and for those who wish to take it alongside another area of contrasting or complementary study, as part of a two-yea...

View Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Traineeship in Creative Media

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Apprenticeships Media, Music, Games Design & Photography Art, Design and Creative Level 2 Full-Time

This Level 2 Traineeship Diploma takes you through a variety of exciting units, that provide you with the basic foundation needed to help you progress your learning to the next stage. This course consists of a compulsory unit (Introducing Media Products) and five optional units including: Animation Production; Photography for Media Products; TV & Film Production; Planning & Producing a ...

View Traineeship in Creative Media

Art, Design and Creative