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Katherine Hickey

BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting

"You are taught from scratch how to do everything, so naturally your skills are developing all the time. The lecturers are passionate about what they do and genuinely want to help you learn."


Kat began her journey on the BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design at St Helens College. Whilst on her level 3 course, a painting unit sparked Kat's interest in painting, allowing her to discover a real passion that would lead her on to the BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting degree course at University Centre St Helens.

Keen to learn more about the degree, Katherine discovered that the degree course at University Centre St Helens is one of only a few degree courses in the country of its type, allowing students to study painting as a specialist practice from day one of their studies.

Speaking about her time at University Centre St Helens, Katherine noted that "every unit is unique, and the first year is your chance to experiment, play around, get messy and have fun as you find your feet and begin to discover who you are as an artist, finding your strong points."

Katherine added: "One thing I cannot praise enough at University Centre St Helens is the amount of individual studio space I had to display my work in. The facilities really are exceptional; we had three walls each to display our work. The studio space is brilliant, as in other places you share half a wall. The extra space you have really does give you creative freedom."

Speaking about the lecturing team, Katherine said: "Teaching on the degree is brilliant! You are taught from scratch how to do everything, so naturally your skills are developing all the time. The lecturers are passionate about what they do and genuinely want to help you learn.

Katherine has benefitted from showcasing her work at the BA2 Exhibition at University Centre St Helens, as well as the final showcase at the end of the third year. Kat's paintings are displayed alongside her peers' online. Discover her portfolio of work alongside many other creative arts graduates from University Centre St Helens at www.vortex-2020.com.

Upon completion of her degree, Katherine has exhibited her work at the Oceans Apart gallery in Salford and is hoping to continue to have her work exhibited both locally and nationally.

Kat hopes to build her reputation as an independent artist in the industry by entering competitions, speaking to galleries, working with art dealers and generally building up her work and her name as a credible artist, paving the way to one day owning her own studio.