The Havelock North High School/Edges Art Framers Link
The industry perspective – Suzi Merson, Edges Art Framers
Sue examining a piece
Suzi had an open-door policy at Edges for the students she was working with – they were welcome to come in at any time during the school day or in their own time, to look around, ask questions or use the machines. She found a number of boys were regular visitors to the shop, sometimes popping in to measure, other times taking photos or studying the manufacturing process in more detail.
Through talking to the students Suzi could see the benefit to them in having a real process, rather than making one up. She was really impressed with the process they followed and enjoyed their presentations of the conceptual designs they had produced to address the issues identified within the working environment and operation of the business. She comments that another time she'd like the opportunity for a longer look at the work, so that she could examine in more detail how each one had developed and what each individual student had come up with by themselves.
Suzi was impressed that when the students did their presentations at Edges, there was no shyness or awkwardness, just a business-like report back and genuine thanks to Suzi for helping out.
Suzi is enthusiastic about being able to help Jeff and the class through providing a production process to show them and an authentic situation for the students to work on. She feels that the link is a sustainable one and looks forward to working with the school again.
