Student’s Design to Grace Swansea Art Trail

Student’s Design to Grace Swansea Art Trail

A Swansea student has been selected to feature her artwork in the upcoming Wild in Art Castles in the Sky art trail in Swansea city centre this summer.  

Melody Angel Bainbridge-Todd, a 21-year-old artist from Pontarddulais, who is now a student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, was chosen for her design, titled ‘Noddfa’ which depicts Wales’ heritage and modern themes, with a focus on equality and diversity. 

The former Gower College Swansea student was chosen to bring her illustration to life on a giant 10 metre tall castle sculpture.  

Her artwork features a vibrant depiction of a castle against a backdrop of scarlet dragons, evergreen grass, and a rainbow bursting from the castle’s mouth, symbolising diversity and inclusivity. Various figures sprint and leap around the base, proud of their homeland. 

Using mixed media such as markers, colour pencils and graphite, Melody meticulously crafted her design, ensuring that each element contributed to the overall message of equality and Wales’ culture.  

While reflecting on the creative process, Melody said: “Castles in the Sky is a special opportunity to showcase my work to a large audience in Swansea. I am incredibly happy with the final product as its vivid and conceptually beautiful.  

“I gained the inspiration from the Welsh Dragon and different types of people I’ve met. My former teachers at Gower College Swansea also helped me with ideas of equality and how to show it through joyful colours and expression. I felt overwhelmed with joy and appreciation when my castle was chosen, it was quite a shock. 

 “I was amazed at the size of the castle, as I have never painted something that large before. It was such a joy to draw my design knowing people will see it. Overall, I am proud of the final outcome and it has been a wonderful experience. I am excited to see everyone’s castles on the trail as I’ve never been to an event like this before. I am also extremely proud to be a part of the Wild in Art trail.”  

Gower College Swansea is proud to support their former student and the art trail by sponsoring the castle featuring her design. The college held an internal competition for its art and design students last year and Melody’s creation was chosen to be showcased on the trail which takes place from July to September in Swansea. 

Mark Jones, Chief Executive Officer at Gower College Swansea, emphasised the college’s commitment to supporting community initiatives and showcasing student talent.  

He said: “We are a further education community college, and we are keen to support community initiatives. We have over 1,000 staff working in the college and want to be seen to be sponsoring community events and playing our role, as well as having the name of our college seen at the event.  

“One of our values at the college is celebrating success, and we want to showcase the talent of one of our students, whose design was chosen to go on the castle that we are sponsoring. Not only will her work be seen on the trail for people to view, but it will also act as an inspiration to other students in the college.  

“I am looking forward to seeing the finished castle and seeing it in its full glory on the art trail this summer. I’ve seen the Wild in Art programme in various places, and it is fantastic to see. Knowing that people will walk by and see one of our student’s work on a castle is not only a great accolade for the student but also for the college itself.” 

Gower College Swansea has over 4,500 full time and 8,000 part time learners, including 3,000 apprentices. 

The College operates from seven locations across Swansea, including campuses at Tycoch and Gorseinon, and is one of the largest employers in the region. 

It is proud to be supporting the Wales Air Ambulance for its Castle’s in the Sky event.  

Mark said: “The fact we are associated with charities such as the Wales Air Ambulance is really important to us and is part of the college’s ethos.”    

Gower College Swansea, with over 4,500 full-time and 8,000 part-time learners, is one of the largest education providers in the region. The college operates from seven locations across Swansea and is dedicated to supporting local charities, including the Wales Air Ambulance, through events like Castles in the Sky. 

Melody’s castle will be auctioned off following the trail, with all proceeds going to the Wales Air Ambulance.