Chloe secures college place with portfolio from Bridges Project group

When Chloe Howie started her Art, Design & Media Course at Edinburgh College this week, she was looking fondly back at the Arts & Crafts Group at Bridges Project.

It was through this group the 17-year-old created the portfolio she used in her application to the college. As a result of the art the talented teenager produced, she was offered a place.

“I am pretty proud of myself,” said Chloe.

The Bridges Project client has always had a passion for art.

“I have always done art ever since I was a little child. It has helped me relax,” said the 17-year-old.

When Bridges Project’s Arts & Crafts Group was recommended to her, Chloe therefore did not hesitate to sign up. This was nevertheless a big step for the teenager, who said she was ‘less confident and more introverted’ at the time.

Participating in the group was a huge success. The young people taking part all got along incredibly well and the majority ended up attending regularly. The connections she has made through the group have improved Chloe’s confidence in both herself and her art.

“It has helped me a lot. I have opened up a lot more and am more talkative with people. I also feel more positive about my art,” she said.

She has particularly valued the positive and inclusive atmosphere of the Arts & Crafts Group.

“The best thing has been to be able to just be there and be yourself, knowing that no one is going to judge you,” said Chloe.

The group is delivered by Groups Support Worker Nicola Melvin, who also assisted Chloe with applying for college.

“The Art Group was very important in helping me secure my place at college and Nicola helped me get a good understanding of the course,” said the teenager.

Chloe also utilised the group to gain her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Her Assessors’ Report noted that she was ‘a very consistent member of the group who has a very positive and open minded approach to creating art’.

Nicola has enjoyed seeing Chloe’s art skills develop throughout her time in the Arts & Crafts Group.

‘Chloe's drawing skills have significantly improved through developing these on a regular basis and she is more experimental regarding her approach to painting, enjoying creating abstract work and achieving interesting results,’ said the Groups Support Worker.

She also praised the 17-year-old’s character and personal development.

‘Chloe engages really well with the activities on offer. She is always ready to challenge herself and explore possibilities. Chloe's confidence and self-esteem has grown over the months and she shows great pride in her work. She has developed a very positive outlook and her securing her place at college and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award are both great achievements!’ said Nicola.

Chloe is determined to further develop her art skills and hopes to one day find a job in the creative industry.

“I will just keep on creating more art and see if it gets me a job!” said the fresh arts student.