Wrexham University School of Art Masters Show open for public viewing

Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025

Wrexham University School of Art’s Masters students are inviting members of the community to come along and view their final exhibition as part of their studies.

Showcasing an array of visual art forms, the exhibition features the work of students on the University’s MA Photography, MA Painting, MA Arts in Health, MA Art Interdisciplinary Practice and MA Design Interdisciplinary Practice programmes.

The exhibition is taking place at Wrexham University School of Art on Regent Street in Wrexham until Friday, August 29.

Art forms being exhibited include sculptures, installations, paintings, photography, illustrations, graphics, textiles, environmental art and socially engaged practice.

Huw Davies, who is studying on the MA Art Interdisciplinary Practice programme, is among the students showcasing their work.

His work centres around a number of medieval drawings that were initially discovered by his then seven-year-old daughter on a 700-year-old wall in North Wales. The drawings were those of poor, now nameless travellers, making the treacherous journey over to Wales.

Huw Davies

Speaking about his work, Huw said: “My youngest daughter first drew my attention to the drawings which were, though hard to see, on her eye line. All of my research and practice has grown out of that chance find.

“My exposition comprises of 24 drawings and a sculpture entirely made from materials found by the sea in both North and South Wales.

“The original drawings are a by-product of the colonisation of Wales and the colonial push west that resulted in the enormous wealth and suffering of the transatlantic slave trade.

“They are probably the only mark those poor people have left of their time on earth – and this evidence of their perilous journey is just as relevant today, where we are still witnessing vulnerable people adrift in small boats.”

Another student who is showcasing her work at the University’s School of Art is Jenny Thomas (pictured, right), who has been studying on the MA Design Interdisciplinary Practice programme.

Jenny’s work are prints inspired by Welsh landscapes using traditional printmaking techniques such as linocut and woodcut.

She said: “I am delighted to be showcasing my work as part of the MA Show exhibition. I’m extremely proud of what I’ve achieved while on the Masters programme, and in particular, the fact that I’ve really found my style during this time – that was my overarching aim at the beginning of the programme.

“The work that I’m exhibiting brings me much happiness as it shows the Welsh coast – namely Barmouth, which is my happy place and it has been since I was a small child – but also, because it reveals my process of intricate carving with playful experimentation, featuring layers of vibrant colour mixed with the impact of texture.

“I truly hope people come along and see our work – and it brings them the same joy that is has brought to us in the creative process.”

Dr Karen Heald, Reader in Interdisciplinary Art Practice and the University’s Programme Leader for the MA Art and Design Suite, added: “Our MA Show is a wonderful snapshot of the last 12 months for our students, demonstrating how far they have come and how they have developed artistically.

“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of them, and would strongly encourage everybody to come along to Wrexham University School of Art to view their works and speak to the students for yourself, it’s a truly inspiring showcase.”

• Wrexham University School of Art’s MA Show is open to the public Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm until Friday, August 29. Please note – the exhibition will be closed this Bank Holiday Monday, August 25.