THREE local teenagers are among 16 university students who have taken their work out to the general public with an exhibition in Preston.

Kate Astley and Janine Barton, of Eccleston, who both attended Runshaw College, and Colin Grand, of Charnock Richard, formerly of Blackburn College, are the first second year students at the University of Central Lancashire to stage a public display away from the campus.

They are part of a group of 16 fine art degree students calling themselves Sweet FA (fine art).

Their exhibition will include works in time based media, sculpture and painting and it has given them an extra dimension to their study.

For they have collaborated in organising the event, negotiated the use of premises, gained sponsors and publicised the exhibition, all in an art orientated environment.

These are skills that will be put to further use when their final degree show is staged next year and when they take their talents out into the world after graduation.

They also intend to enjoy the event and have some fun. Janine, 21, said: "It's been really exciting. There's been a lot of commitment from everyone and we've had meetings every week and it's developed from there."

The exhibition will comprise of work the students have created as part of their BA (Hons) Fine Art Degree course and has been well received by local businesses, some of whom have given their support to the show.

Sponsored by Preston Arts Association and the university, the event will be held at the Blackpool Hosiery Co Ltd, Ladywell Street, Preston.

It runs from May 17-21 and 24-28, between 11am-5.30pm daily.

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