Young apprentices are set to unveil a spectacular showcase of
handmade art and streetscape pieces created for the home or public
environment.
The talented teenagers from PM Training, a social enterprise
that tackles worklessness among young people, have combined their
skills and talents to create an impressive range of bespoke
contemporary pieces.
More than 60 businesses in Stoke-on-Trent have been invited to
the prestigious exhibition which launches at Burslem School of Art
on September 21.
The event, showcasing exclusive items including metal and wooden
sculptures, board room and reception art, mosaics and murals, is
also open to members of the public from 22-30 September.
Daniel Cutter, aged 17, from Fenton, is looking forward to
seeing his work on show.
The teenager, who left school with few qualifications, was given
a life-changing opportunity by PM Training and has worked alongside
tutors to hone his talent.
"Art has always been a passion of mine but I didn't really know
what to do with it," said Daniel.
"I didn't for one second imagine that I could make a career from
it. To see my work in and around the community really is a great
feeling."
Every Artworks commission created by a PM Training apprentice is
unique and locally produced.
The product range, which includes high quality home, garden and
street furniture as well as impressive pieces of art such as the
potters wheel sculpture outside Central Forest Park and the famous
swans at Trentham, can be seen throughout Staffordshire.
Will Nixon, Chief Executive of PM Training, said: "We have
already had a huge response to Artworks with over 30 commissioned
pieces.
"The opportunities are endless and our service has a proven
track record in enhancing the environment.
"At the same time, Artworks gives talented, young people a vital
opportunity - everybody wins."
Hannah Barter, Project Development Manager at Urban Vision,
said: "As an organisation Urban Vision has a charitable aim to
promote high quality work through apprenticeships. Artworks is
therefore a perfect scheme for us to support.
"The quality of the art from PM Training apprentices is of such
a high standard that it withstands a competitive marketplace.
"We are very keen to promote Artworks through this
exhibition."
She added: "It is both inspiring and encouraging to see young
people so passionate and determined to invest their skills in the
local communities. It is very rewarding to share their sense of
civic pride."
The Artworks exhibition will be held in partnership with
sponsors Urban Vision North Staffordshire, the architecture and
urban design centre, who are based at Burslem School of Art.