A STUDENT art exhibition is coming to the Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole.

The temporary exhibition is to be revealed to the public from June 19 to celebrate the work of Poole High School.

The exhibition will be open from 12-4pm daily and will showcase GCSE and A-Level artwork from students at Poole High School, as well as A Level Design and Technology work. It is the first time the centre has partnered with Poole High School to offer a dedicated in-centre space to show the students’ work.

The GCSE artwork will be displayed in the former Stead & Simpson store, in the lower mall of the Dolphin Shopping Centre. The exhibition will showcase two and three dimensional work, with themes including the Mexican holiday ‘Day of the Dead’ and ‘Distortion and Reflection’. Pieces will be in the form of prints, paintings and ceramics.

Last year, Poole High GCSE students went to see The Lion King in the West End, giving them inspiration for a new style of artwork, such as paper mâché colourful animal masks. These will be on display at the exhibition.

The A-Level artwork will be displayed in the former Juice Bar, upstairs in the Dolphin Shopping Centre. The work will showcase A Level Photography as well as more traditional art pieces.

There will also be a private viewing of the artwork on July 8 from 1-3pm, especially for family and friends of the artists to celebrate their hard work. This viewing will signal the end of the exhibition.

The free-to-explore exhibition will be manned by sixth formers, welcoming guests and answering any questions about the pieces. A student will also be visiting the exhibition to do caricatures.

Centre manager at the Dolphin Shopping Centre John Grinnell said: “We like to keep shoppers entertained with a range of events throughout the year and felt that by showcasing Poole High’s artwork, we will support the young local artists and fill them with confidence knowing the public is viewing their work.”

Art teacher at Poole High School Mel Bennett said: “The GCSE and A-Level students are really excited about showcasing their work to the public. We think it will appeal to the shoppers because of the diverse range of artwork on view.

“We’re so grateful to the Dolphin for providing us with a space to showcase our talented students’ work.”