Yarmouth students inspired by New York

SIGHTS, sounds, landmarks and the buzz of life in New York is inspiring arts students in workshops at Great Yarmouth College after their trip of a lifetime.

Nearly 50 students and staff spent five days soaking up the best of the Big Apple on an educational visit which took in the best the city had to offer.

The fashion and textiles, photography and art and design students are now back at their studies using their experiences in their work.

Donna Goddard, foundation degree fashion and textiles course leader, said they had toured the Natural History Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum.

But the highlight of the exhibitions was American film director Tim Burton's exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art.

Burton, known as Hollywood's creepiest director, was the creative force behind films including Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands and blockbusters Batman, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

His exhibition and film series included his earliest childhood drawings and storyboards created during the production Edward Scissorhands and other movies.

Burton is the partner of British actress Helena Bonham Partner. His next film Alice in Wonderland is due for release on March 5.

As well as the educational visits, the students made time to sightsee and sailed out to the Statue of Liberty, visited the top of the Empire State Building and ice-skated in Central Park at night.

Ms Goddard said: “The students have come back and are glowing with energy and ideas and are totally inspired by what they've experienced and we're looking forward to seeing the results and effects in their work.

Ms Goddard organised the trip so her students could enjoy an experience that so inspired her in her college days.

For information on all visual arts programmes contact college information advisors on 01493 655261 or log on to the college website www.gyc.ac.uk.