Art student's collage represents life at ethnic minority women's centre

South Tyneside College student Sarah, 20, used her talents to place 10 photographs of members, guests and volunteers at the Apna Ghar ethnic women’s centre into a perfect picture setting.

Her photo compilation will be a focal point for visitors in the reception of the Ocean Road centre in South Shields.

It took Sarah, from South Shields, two weeks to carefully set the images – all taken in the past year – and a short paragraph of writing.

She was approached to do the work by Steven Crosby, the college’s curriculum leader in music, media and art, as part of a long-standing artistic relationship between the two organisations.

In recent years, students have created works for the centre, including ceramics and tapestries, and lecturers have run courses for its users.

Sarah, who competed her Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design at the college last year and now studies graphic design at Sunderland University, said: “It was nice to be asked to do this project, which I enjoyed and found rewarding.

“Although it was fairly straightforward, the photographs still had to be positioned in the right way.

“I did some of the work at the college and some at home. I’m proud of it.”

The main image shows women from the centre’s youth group, and nine smaller photographs capture other volunteers and members.

Alison Maynard, principal of South Tyneside College’s Professional and Vocational College, said: “It’s great to see one of our former students showing off her talents in such a creative way.

“Projects like this are important to the work the college plays within the local community and shows how something as important to our lives as art can bring people from varied backgrounds together.

“Sarah’s collage will look fabulous in the centre’s entrance area and be a real focal point for visitors.”

Apna Ghar manager, Carol Robertson, has now invited Sarah to the centre for an official unveiling.

She said: “Centre users will be thrilled by it – I’m sure it will look fabulous in its new home. Those on the photographs will be over the moon with the results.

“We already have art works created by students from the college, and I’m delighted with this latest one.

“I’m looking forward to Sarah seeing her excellent work in its new home.”