The New Carnival Company has announced the launch of the IW Dark Skies Art Exhibition (19th March – 19th April) in the windows of Independent Arts in Newport. A collaborative project showcasing the creative talents of young individuals from The Island Learning Centre, Isle of Wight College, and Independent Arts Youth Hub. This exhibition, in partnership with New Carnival, builds upon the success of last year’s IW Dark Skies festival, aiming to raise awareness about the Island’s unique dark skies and their significance for both humanity and the environment. A public vote for the most popular artwork will see 3 winners receiving a cash prize. The prize money has been kindly donated in by John Langley, former chairman of the IW Countryside charity, in memory of Ann Langley. The exhibition features an array of artworks inspired by celestial skies. Among the highlights is a giant ‘Miss Mitchell’s’ comet willow sculpture, a tribute to Maria Mitchell, the pioneering American astronomer whose discovery of a comet in 1847 earned her international acclaim. This large piece, created by students from The Island Learning Centre, pays homage to Mitchell’s legacy and her family’s ties to the Island, who originated from Brighstone. The comet was created in workshops that were part of Independent Arts Wavelength project which has been running in schools across the Island offering Island children opportunities to explore science through creativity. Additionally, students from Isle of Wight College’s Art and Design Level 2 program present individual fine artworks themed around Dark Skies. Their thoughtfully crafted pieces not only showcase artistic prowess but also convey the crucial role of dark skies in promoting health and well-being, both for humans and the natural world. Carly Clark, IW College tutor, said:
“The students were so inspired by the theme of Dark Skies and worked independently to produce a diverse range of outcomes. To have their work displayed at Independent Arts for the exhibition is such an honour and also a fantastic experience.”
The Independent Arts hub group of young people contribute to the exhibition with their 3D willow 5-pointed star sculptures, adorned with colourful decoration and intricate drawings. Exploring space travel and finding out about the Island’s history as a space rocket testing site in the atomic 1950s and 60s.
The area at the rear of Iceland always has bright lights on all night which destroy any opportunity for people along Fairlee to see truly dark skies unfortunately.. I wish somwbody would switch them off.
Most of the Island has dark skies due to the poxy
street lighting we have thesedays