DCG Success Stories

Crafter and artist Chloe Manchester loves to use the healing power of art to help people express difficult and painful emotions. 

Chloe, 26, recently completed the Award in Creative Craft: Crafting and Upcycling, Levels 1 and 2 at Derby College Group’s Ilkeston site and will begin university this September. 

While studying for her Level 2 qualification, Chloe sadly lost her beloved grandad but found the resilience and courage to complete her studies by channelling her grief into her art. 

She now plans to study for a BA (Hons) in Creative Expressive Arts, Health and Wellbeing at the University of Derby – a degree that allows students like Chloe to develop their creative skills to make a difference in people’s emotional lives. 

Described by her creative arts teacher, Laura Smith, as an “exceptional student from day one,” Chloe enjoys thoroughly investigating her subjects, focusing on artists’ working methods and historical contexts. 

Laura said: 

“Chloe’s work displays advanced skills in visual language.  

“She communicates complex emotional concepts to convey nuanced emotional narratives, reflecting a unique and sophisticated grasp of visual storytelling.” 

Chloe particularly enjoyed the research aspect of her studies and the opportunity to discuss ideas, refine them, and share feedback with her fellow art students and tutors. 

She explained:
“We all got on so well. It can be hard developing ideas on your own, but discussing them in class was so helpful to the creative process.  

“Mental health difficulties and past traumas are issues I want to express in a symbolic way, making art that others can relate to as well.” 

Chloe has always been creative and, when she was younger, enjoyed making scrapbooks and greetings cards with her mum.  

She later progressed to upcycling, creating pieces of art from everyday items that are usually thrown away. 

She added:
“I like found object sculpture. For one of my college projects, I made a model boat using a broken piece of concrete from my mum’s drive as the base, then added twigs, plastic action figures and a perfume bottle lid. It was very heavy!” 

As well as fulfilling her dream of going to university, Chloe would also like to go into business, providing people with art kits they can make at home. 

She added:
“My art is about creativity and wellbeing. My university course covers music and drama, so I might include those in my work as well.  

“When I graduate, I’d like to do something in mental health and the expressive arts, perhaps running workshops at festivals.”