College learner, Martyna Wilk is the first winner of the new annual award, due to her hard work, curiosity and imagination both in her approach to her studies and her pursuits outside of college.
Martyna was surprised to win the prize. She says: “I just wasn’t expecting it at all! I met Alison a few times and found her really inspiring.
“My classmates did some great work and even though all our projects were so different, I used to look at theirs and worry mine wasn’t as good. It’s good to know that people love what I’ve done too.”
Martyna Wilk’s specialised in Interior Architecture for her Final Major Project. She is going on to study the subject further at Nottingham Trent University in September.
About her time at college, she says: “I’ve really enjoyed the course, I got to experiment a lot with photography, print making, drawing and painting before specialising in architecture. I’m glad I can take all these new skills with me when I start my degree course, as it will help me think outside the box with my ideas.”
Jill Maynard, Head of Creative Arts for the Lincoln College Group, judged the award along with colleagues and members of Alison Caldwell’s family.
Jill said: “We wanted to recognise the extra effort Martyna has put into her studies over the last two years. Not only has she developed her talent and skills in Art and studied GCSE in English and maths alongside, but she also has a part time job and helped organise food parcels during the lockdown.”
The prize has been set up in Alison Caldwell’s memory - she taught at Newark College for 19 years and in this time inspired and supported many students.
“We want to celebrate her love of the Arts with this annual award,” says Jill.
“She instilled strong values and standards in her students and encouraged them to be professional and creatively curious. She was an important member of the art team at Newark College, and we miss her very much.
“We hope through this award she can continue to be a part of what we do.”
Martyna was given an Amazon voucher and a presentation case containing art materials, to help her when she starts her BA in Interior Architecture at Nottingham Trent University.
Find out more about the Creative Arts courses at Newark College, here.