Young artists from St Mary's put community and coastline centre stage
Students from St Mary's Catholic College brought more than a hundred pieces of original work to The Hatch in New Brighton this week, turning the small gallery into a window on local lives and landscapes. The three-day exhibition — open to the public after a private viewing for families and friends — featured work from Years 7 to 12 and covered painting, sculpture, drawing and mixed media.
The theme, 'People & Places', encouraged pupils to explore personal stories and the character of their local environment. Many of the pieces were rooted in the coastline and streets of New Brighton and Wallasey, offering a young person's reflection on familiar scenes and neighbours.
- Duration: three days
- Works on display: more than 100 pieces
- Year groups: Years 7–12
For young artists, seeing work exhibited in a professional setting can be a milestone. One Year 12 student described the experience as influential to future plans after sixth form. Visitors praised the breadth of talent and the confidence of pupils in tackling personal and local themes.
"The takeaway for me as a gallery owner was the pure joy on the children’s faces to see their work displayed. Value comes from someone saying to the students 'You can do it, and we believe in you'."
The comment came from Anneley Pickles, owner of The Hatch, who said the show was about more than presentation; it was about encouragement and community support. The gallery's decision to host the event underlined a growing appetite locally to create spaces where young people can test out creative ambitions beyond the classroom.
Practical experience and encouragement for future study
Staff at St Mary's Catholic College framed the exhibition as both celebration and development. The headteacher highlighted that the event gave students the opportunity to exhibit away from the school environment, to meet visitors and to see how their work communicates in a public setting.
For some pupils the exhibition had a practical effect on career thinking. One Year 12 student said the confidence and encouragement received from teachers made them seriously consider applying for an arts course at university. The exposure to a professional gallery setting also offered lessons in presentation, curation and the practicalities of showing work — skills that can benefit students whether they aim for higher education or other creative pathways.
Local cultural providers and schools often rely on partnerships to broaden opportunities for young people. The Hatch's collaboration with St Mary's is an example of how small galleries can provide real-world experience to students, while giving the community a chance to see its younger residents in a new light.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exhibition theme | People & Places |
| Number of works | 100+ |
| Year groups | 7–12 |
| Location | The Hatch, New Brighton |
Audience response during the public days was positive. Visitors commented on the diversity of media and the way younger students' work sat alongside more developed pieces from older pupils. The school said the exhibition was intended to celebrate experimentation and individuality across all year groups, not just technical skill.
For families and neighbours in St Mary's, events like this provide a reminder of local talent and the role of cultural venues in supporting it. Small businesses and gallery owners who open their doors to schools can help create stepping stones for pupils considering further study or careers in the creative industries. Those involved hope the exhibition will become a regular fixture, strengthening ties between the college, local galleries and the wider community.
The show at The Hatch also underlined a wider point visible across the region: when schools, galleries and community members work together, young people gain confidence and practical insight that classroom time alone cannot always provide.
