A new exhibition titled 'Sense of Wonder' has opened at Queen’s Hall Arts in Hexham, featuring artwork by A-level students from Queen Elizabeth High School (QEHS). The showcase, which opened on June 13 and runs until July 4, includes paintings, photography transfers, and illustrations created over the past two years, displayed across two main galleries. The exhibition is curated by QEHS staff and students, with support from Queen’s Hall technicians, and aims to highlight the students' creative perspectives and technical skill.
The exhibition matters because it provides a professional platform for young local artists, many of whom have progressed to foundation courses at Newcastle College and degree programs at prestigious institutions like Goldsmiths and the Glasgow School of Art. It challenges stereotypes about youth, fosters community engagement with the arts, and inspires younger students by showcasing viable creative career paths. The collaboration between the school and the local gallery strengthens the regional arts ecosystem and affirms the value of arts education.