Summer in Penzance brings more than just longer days and seaside strolls—it brings a fresh wave of local creativity and there is no better place to witness the future of that community than at the 2026 Penwith College Art & Design Summer Show.
Starting today, the historic Penzance School of Art is opening its doors to showcase the hard work, imagination, and diverse talents of Penwith College's emerging artists.
It is worth noting that the college is due to put this historic School of Art on the open market this summer - there are leaflets available at the door which explain how you can become involved and help save the building for the community and future artists as it was designed to do so when built back in 1880.
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| The Spirit of 'Awen' |
For those unfamiliar with the term, Awen is the Cornish word for inspiration, imagination, and the muse. Deeply rooted in Celtic tradition, it represents the continuous, dynamic flow of artistic energy that takes a spark of an idea and breathes life into it.
Walking through the exhibition, you will see exactly how that creative energy has manifested. The students have spent the year channeling their own Awen, experimenting with new mediums, pushing boundaries, and developing their unique voices. Whether your passion lies in fine art, graphic design, textiles, or mixed media, the sheer variety and passion on display are guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired yourself.
Spotlight: The Reality of the Catch
While wandering through the exhibition, one student’s work immediately catches the eye by tackling a very topical subject to produce an excellent narrative piece. Mailli Carter, a student finishing her Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication, turned her creative focus toward her home.
For her final major project, Mailli chose to base her work on her native fishing village of Cadgwith. Coming from a fishing family herself, her artist statement explains that her art is a deeply personal endeavour meant to raise awareness about the harsh realities of the industry. She tackles complex local issues including climate change, social deprivation, the sheer expense of coastal living, and the hard work and tragedies associated with life at sea.
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| Her main piece, a particularly striking and topical painting in her collection. |
The artwork vividly depicts a fisher viewed from behind, clad in traditional bright yellow oilskins and heavy-duty blue gloves. They are holding up a large, highly detailed octopus by the head against the backdrop of a stone harbour wall and fishing bins. It is a powerful, narrative-driven piece that perfectly captures the hands-on reality of the Cornish fishing trade while highlighting species like the octopus that are becoming an increasingly common topic of conversation regarding changing local waters.
The ocean and its shifting narratives are a clear inspiration for many students this year. Looking around the wider exhibition space (as seen in 20260623-DSC09318.jpg), you can spot a diverse range of responses to marine themes, including a striking green sculptural relief of a face emerging from twisting tentacles.
Other students have taken a different approach to coastal life by blending it with contemporary youth culture. For example, the vibrant mixed-media collage in above brilliantly contrasts a photograph of a fishing boat heading for the gaps along with black-and-white photos of skatepark action. The artist has tied these coastal and urban elements together using bright neon tape, torn edges, and vivid orange stitched and drawn embellishments.
It is very encouraging to see these young artists using their 'Awen' to document, question, and celebrate the world immediately around them. Don't miss the chance to see these powerful narratives in person!
Support the Next Generation
Exhibiting work to the public is a massive milestone for any young creative. By stepping into the gallery, you aren't just viewing fantastic local art; you are supporting and validating the next generation of creative talent in Cornwall.
Grab a coffee, take a wander up Morrab Road, and immerse yourself in the creative flow.
📅 Exhibition Details at a Glance
Wednesday, 24th June – Sunday, 28th June
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Where: Penzance School of Art, Morrab Road, Penzance
See you there!
