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Article by Gill Waller - Volunteering Lead

Thanks to willing railway companies and The Arts Society Basingstoke, the remarkable work of local schools and colleges, has been brightening our railway stations’ night subway, waiting rooms and platforms for the past five years. As well as cheering up our railway station, these exhibitions provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of artists from local schools, colleges and community groups – our Basingstoke family’s children. Their artistic talents provide a congenial environment for passengers using the station. Seeing their artwork exhibited to the public in these ways, is a rare, inspirational opportunity for flourishing young artists.
The latest exhibition, by students from Basingstoke College of Technology, will be particularly inspiring for the travelling public because of the high standard of skills on display. Twenty-one students have their work in the waiting rooms on platforms one and four. All the work on display was produced in the first term of their course - between September and December 2025. It showcases projects from a wide range of applied and fine arts which provide a comprehensive introduction to the creative industries. On Wednesday 4th February, the students were excited to see their work on display, knowing that it would be seen by the hundreds of passengers who use the station.
Samantha George, (Art & Design and Media & Games Lecturer from BCOT), said that she is very grateful for an opportunity to celebrate the students’ achievements. They are very excited to have their work on display again.
Student’s quotations:
Jax Bassindale (level 3 Game Art and Design Extended Diploma.) This is the second time that Jax has been chosen to participate in an exhibition at the Railway Station.
Jax said, ‘I am proud of myself. It has made me realise that this is something that I should pursue.’ My previous work represented the impact we will have on the environment if we do not change our ways. The current work is surreal and thought provoking.
Peter Smith, on the same course, said that he is very proud that his work has turned out so well.
Chloe Martin – (level 3 Art and Design and Communication Extended diploma) – is another student who has work displayed at the station for a second time. Last year her work was on the theme of ‘Temporal Shifts, representing Life, death and decay of organic matter. This year she is inspired by waves and rock pools. She is very happy to be exhibited again and plans to go to Art College when she finishes at BCOT.
Nadeen White, (Art, Design and Communication Diploma) has a self-portrait and two still life pictures on display. She is a mature student who is really enjoying discovering her talent on a course that is extending her knowledge and understanding. She is pleased to see her work on display.
Harriet Gates, (Art, Design and Communication Diploma) also has her still-life pictures on display. She said that she loved having her work on display where it can be enjoyed by hundreds of passengers.
Bleu ‘Vinny’ Hawkins, would like a career in communications. Her lino print explores the relationship between prey and predator. She chose symbolic colours – white for purity, black for corruption and red for violence/danger.
Blaise Luca De-Lisie Bissett, (Level 2 Art and Design Diploma), has his still life painting on display. He has experimented with applying colour theory - complimentary colours in the shadows. He is proud of his work.
Lucy Clinch, (Level 2 Art and Design Diploma)  also used blue and purple in the shadows of her face to experiment with complimentary colours and create an exciting effect. She is proud to be recognised for her achievement.
Oleksandr Panachevni (Level 3 Game Art and Design Extended Diploma)
Changed his course to concentrate on creating games. He is very pleased to have his work on display.

Photography: Gill Barlin