THE Minories Gallery, in Colchester, is showcasing the work of its talented MA graduates.

The exhibition comprises the work of Colchester Insitute students whose base is the listed Georgian building.

One of the artists exhibiting her work is Ailsa Clarke.

Ailsa who works at the Colchester Castle museum and is also a gallery assistant at the town’s Firstsite art gallery.

She studied art design and the book over two years on a part- time course.

Ailsa says: “When I graduated from my degree in Fine Art, I was at a loose end. “My degree work was a narrative sequence of paintings, so it made sense I did a Masters, which focuses on work in a sequence, rather like reading a book.”

After a trip to a museum, which told the story of shipwrecks along the North Devon coast, Ailsa chose to base her work on combining historic documents of recorded shipwrecks with the dramatic beauty of the Devon coastline.

She says: “This course has enabled me to explore so many different elements in my work. The historical background of shipwrecks is shown in many different ways within my art.

“I have bent handmade paper to look like waves and drawn storm petrels on to the paper, which were thought to symbolise the spirits of lost sailors.

“I also wanted the words, which are taken from historical records of shipwrecks along the Devon coast, to stick out like the hull of a ship.”

Another MA art graduate who has drawn on historical elements for her work is Sarah Smith.

The Colchester primary school teacher took the Contemporary art and professional practice MA, which led her back to her archeological roots.

Sarah says: “Using an element of archaeology within my art was a decision I made subconsciously. “I studied for a degree in archaeology 20 years ago, but I thought I had put that all behind me.”

Her final exhibited piece depicts a section of an archeological site complete with wheelbarrow, rubble and even a hole in the floor showing an uncovered mosaic.

She adds: “As a teacher, I wish to inspire curiosity and it’s the same with my artwork.”

Masters at the Minories continues at the Colchester High Street Gallery until August 25.

Entry is free, Monday to Saturday, from 10am until 4pm