We were delighted to host a week-long exhibition at Gallery Different in early November, as part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations and our ongoing commitment to showcase current pupils, alumnae and school community artists’ work to a wide audience.

Celebrate Connect: St. Mary's Calne Art Exhibition was a celebration of creativity and innovation and featured an incredible range of themes, styles, and mediums, showcasing the evolution of each artist's work. From fine art paintings to sculpture and digital imagery, the exhibition gave a diverse and engaging experience for visitors, current pupils, parents and alumnae as well as invited prep schools and the wider school community.  

Mrs Annabel Owen, Director of Art, curated the exhibition and was joined by Lucy Kent, (2003 Leaver) at the Private View on Thursday evening, which kindly sponsored by the Calne Girls' Association.  Annabel and Lucy considered all the pieces in the Exhibition and selected the following winners:  The Fitzwilliam-Lay Prize for a painting by a senior girl, kindly given by the Fitzwilliam-Lay family in loving memory of Victoria Fitzwilliam-Lay was awarded to Maya N, UVI.  The Calne Girls’ Association prize for a Calne Girl was awarded to Talitha Powell (2022 Leaver), The Curator’s Prize was awarded to Rose Byng (2023 Leaver) and three Lily Awards were awarded to Alex W (LVI), Alayode F (LVI), and Eliza F (UV).

Mrs Diana Harrison, Acting Head and Lucy Kent both gave speeches, with tributes to the artists and their wonderful work, the importance of creativity and art in our lives as well as more details about the 150th Anniversary of St Mary's and the many ways guests could consider supporting the Chrysalis Campaign. 

As part of the Exhibition, a number of prep school pupils were invited to take part in creative workshops at the gallery with Mrs Owen and we also welcomed parents, friends and family of the artists throughout the week and also at the Private View.

In this special year, a few of the alumnae artists have kindly donated their pieces to a silent auction – please click here to read more about this and to make a bid.  The full catalogue of work can also be viewed here.