A FORMER Penglais School pupil who has been awarded a prestigious art scholarship at a London college has paid tribute to her former school’s art department.

Cara Rainbow, 25, grew up and went to primary school in Ysbyty Ystwyth, near Pontrhydygroes, before attending Penglais School, where she said she developed a passion for photography.

Cara went on to graduate with a first class honours degree in fine art from Goldsmiths, University of London, where her hard work earned her the Elke Lacey textiles award.

And Cara told the Cambrian News this week of her excitement at being awarded the Alfred Teddy Smith and Zsuzsi Roboz Scholarship from Morley College, London, an award given to a figurative artist of promise.

“It is going to be a great opportunity to learn new skills and work on the ones I already have to develop my creative abilities," she said.

And Cara, whose family still live in Ysbyty Ystwyth, said that despite not initially enjoying art while at school, she was inspired by teachers in Penglais School’s art department, especially the former head of art who was recently reinstated after appealing his dismissal, Richard Edwards.

“For me personally, I found that living in Aber as a young person, there wasn’t much to do,” added Cara. “I feel really, really lucky to have found art as a way of doing something different.

“I never liked art that much and didn’t see it as a career. Then I discovered photography, and Mr Edwards helped me develop my love and passion for photography."

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