Learners and tutors from HTAE have submitted a diverse and inspiring collection of artwork to the Ferens Open Exhibition 2026, one of the region’s most recognised showcase of contemporary art.
At the centre of this year’s submissions is a collaborative ceramic piece titled The Light We Brought Home. Inspired by a recent Turing Scheme trip to Athens, Greece, the work reflects shared experiences of travel, culture and discovery. The vase features contributions from 23 individuals, including learners who took part in the international visit, two tutors, and fellow learners who remained in Hull.
A learner submission titled Sea Hag
Following their return, travelling learners shared photographs, stories and reflections with their peers, creating an inclusive learning experience that extended beyond the trip itself. These discussions informed the design of the piece, allowing those who did not travel to contribute their own responses. The result is a collective artwork that represents both the journey and its wider impact within the learning community.
The Athens visit provided learners with a valuable opportunity to develop confidence, broaden cultural awareness and gain new perspectives. The Light We Brought Home captures these outcomes, highlighting how the experience continued to resonate once learners returned to the classroom.
In addition to this collaborative piece, learners and tutors have submitted a wide range of individual works. These include Sea Hag, a striking blue figure; Bust of Woman with Yellow Necklace; and The Keeper of the Cottage, a bird house sculpture rich in character and detail. Ceramic works such as Ash Crown (a Raku Bust), Koi Vessel, and Tideborn- a black mermaid sculpture on wood which completes the collection, contributing to a varied and expressive body of work and further demonstrating the breadth of skills and creative techniques explored.
Tutor Lisa Wilson has also submitted three pieces — The 3 Sisters, Unearthed and Our Hull, Our Heritage — each reflecting themes of place, identity, and storytelling. .
Lisa said:
“Submitting work to the Ferens Open Exhibition offers an important opportunity for learners to take their creativity beyond the classroom, present their work in a professional setting, and engage with wider audiences. It reflects not only their artistic development, but also the confidence and ambition they continue to build through creative learning.”
Lisa Wilson's submssion titled Our Hull, Our Heritage
Participation in exhibitions such as the Ferens Open provides an important platform for learners to showcase their work and gain recognition, while reinforcing the value of creative education in supporting personal and professional development.
Hull Training and Adult Education is proud of all learners and tutors who have submitted work this year and looks forward to seeing their creativity on display at the Ferens Art Gallery.
A learner submission titled The keeper of the cottage
A learner submission titled Tideborn