Creatively talented students and staff gathered together for our Annual Golden Lily celebrations on the evening of Tuesday 21st March, with a Drinks Reception, Dinner and the Presentation of Awards. As an opportunity to congratulate and recognise each other’s achievements in their fields, it is a wonderful event that continues to highlight key points from the year, promote success and gain valuable insights into the industry in focus; being Arts year, we were honoured to welcome our Guest Speaker, Beth Alden (MA RCA), Director of New Brewery Arts. NBA, as it is known, is a venue that supports the arts, education, retail and charity sectors and is Patroned by Dame Fiona Reynolds. She endorsed a number of positive messages to the girls that promoted a sense of responsibility and service to others.
Engaging girls to think beyond the conventional in terms of the opportunities available as career pathways in the Arts, we gained an insight into all the roles, responsibilities, functions and agendas behind the exhibition and museum spaces that we habituate.
Katie and Gina (UVI Form) made their final contribution to Drama at St Mary's, performing their devised piece The Emporium, a real delight to see and witness for the last time. We were also entertained by the Sixth Form Vocal Ensemble with their L.E.J Summer 2016 mash-up, arranged by Mr Staines, which was highly creative.
As you are aware, Mrs Spicer is retiring to begin a new phase in her Artistic career at the end of the Summer Term, to fulfil a lifelong passion and become a full-time Artist. With her own studio in place, her Master’s degree ongoing and with a wealth of experience, we recognised all she has done for the school in her 15+ years, working with countless students in the Art School and as a Tutor. In recognition of the long and dedicated service of Mrs Spicer to the school, the Heads of Department came together to create a special award in her name that recognised an individual student’s consistent dedication to the Arts as a whole. It is for this reason that we gave this award to Clara (LVI Form).
“I found the Golden Lilies really enjoyable and it was lovely to see the music and drama performances to get an insight into the other creative departments of the school. Thank you so much for such a good evening!” Alexis (UVI)
Another wonderful, busy and inspirational event! The departments would like to thank all the students and the parents for their support this year. We certainly look forward to seeing what next year has to offer. Special thanks go to Mrs Joanna Black for all her support and organisation of this event, Mr Bob Lunn and IT for their technical support, Mrs Linda Thomas and her talented catering team, Mrs Janice James and her Housekeeping Team and Mr Angelo Harrison and Mr Julian Davis and the Maintenance Team for all their support of the event and The Arts at St Mary’s, Calne.
Mrs Kimberley Pallot, Director of Art