SARAH MISSELBROOK
PRESS RELEASE
2004

Having gained a first class honours degree in Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University, Sarah Misselbrook returned to Southampton where she was born to continue extensive historical and contemporary research as well as producing regular art works for local exhibitions and commissions. Since graduating in June 2000, Sarah has provided workshops and drawing classes and has completed sculptural commissions for local schools and colleges. Sculptural casting workshops at Sholing Girls School aimed at 11 to 14 year olds combined efforts and produced a commissioned artwork to be permanently displayed within the school.

Having circulated the artist’s catalogue and having registered on Southampton City Art Gallery’s list of practising artists, Sarah has enjoyed various workshop placements and commissions within local schools and other establishments. She has had the opportunity to work within the Art dept at St. Anne’s School, providing life drawing classes, conceptual self-portrait workshops and slide lectures. Sarah’s most recent commission was documented within the Echo Weekend magazine showing pupils casting each other’s faces and that of their headmaster! This relief artwork is displayed within the school reception.

Sarah has not only established interest in gallery based artwork but more importantly in the practice of art making, audience participation and theoretical debate within the local community. Her placement at the Hexagon centre, working with clients who had a physical disability or had specific learning requirements, highlighted the response to her skills, energy and enthusiasm for drawing, painting and sculptural processes. "Creation in itself is a positive process and I feel it remains underestimated within establishments such as these." (Sarah Misselbrook 2002)
Sarah is currently studying for a PGCE (PCET) at Southampton University. It is this course of study and her present lecturing position at Southampton City College that have highlighted her ability to tutor students, raising aspirations, participation and achievement levels. "The passion and enthusiasm I have for my subject evokes creativity, imagination and motivation from the students.’
(Sarah Misselbrook 2002)

Sarah Misselbrook’s solo exhibition at the Beatrice Royal Gallery in Eastleigh, Southampton May 2003, embodied work spanning 3 years since graduation and included new works created within the last year with financial support from the Arts Council, England. Sarah's work received an overwhelming response from local businesses with sponsorship from Southampton Saab and she was invited as special guest for the leepeckgreenfield corporate event held at the Beatrice Royal gallery.

Sarah’s solo show moved to the Michael Naimski gallery in London in October 2003 and generated interest from national and international press, collectors and other galleries.