Ocean Studios Online Arts Auction

Two enterprising Masters students from Plymouth College of Art have organised an online auction of art works to raise funds for much needed affordable studio space in Plymouth. The auction went live on 17 October and bidding will close at 5pm on 4 December to coincide with the end of the British Art Show 7 in the city.

The auction represents an exciting opportunity for art enthusiasts to get their hands on a piece from the future of British Art. The work of emerging artists and students sits alongside work by established and world-renowned artists such as Brian Griffiths and Johan Andersson.

Organisers Jennifer Jayarajah and Leigh Mason are just beginning their final year of the MA Entrepreneurship Creative Practice at Plymouth College of Art. They have embraced the challenge of finding artists to donate work, using their skills, knowledge and tenacity to approach artists.

Their hard work and determination has paid off and works with an estimated total value of £30,000 have been donated to the auction by artists across print, sculpture, jewellery, glass, ceramics and painting.

A major coup for the pair has been securing a piece of artwork worth around £10,000 created by renowned sculptor Brian Griffiths, whose work is currently being exhibited at Plymouth College of Art as part of British Art Show 7.

Other artists who have donated their work to be auctioned include painter Johan Andersson, Lead Potter at the Leach and Chair of the Craft Potters Association Jack Doherty, glass artist Adam Hussain and painter John Piper.

Jennifer and Leigh are passionate about raising funds for Ocean Studios, an artist-led studio space situated in the historic Royal William Yard offering workspace, equipment and gallery space for emerging artists.

“Currently Plymouth has no affordable studios for artists,” says Jennifer. “Every other city has affordable studio space and it’s such as shame as every year more than 400 art students graduate in the city and there is nowhere for them to move on to.”

To look at the artworks and perhaps even place a bid visit the online auction at http://www.oceanstudios.org.uk/shop-auction. For any enquires please contact Ocean Studios at events@oceanstudios.org.uk.

Image: 'vessel' by Jack Doherty

For more information visit http://www.oceanstudios.org.uk/shop-auction