AN art exhibition of self-portraits by creative students from two Bradford schools has gone on display at a city gallery.

Revealed includes the work of 200 students, aged between 11 and 16, from Grange Technology College and Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College and has opened at Impressions Gallery in Centenary Square.

The collection is the result of a year-long project which has included gallery staff and Bradford-based multi-media artist Shanaz Gulzar leading workshops at both schools.

The students were asked to create head-sized collages showing what they wanted to do as a career and their hopes and dreams for the future.

The 160 pieces chosen for display feature images of pop stars including Beyonce, famous footballers and film stars, food, drink and sports cars.

Each student from Buttershaw created a digital montage using computer programme Photoshop, while the Grange group used a traditional collage method, using cut-outs from magazines.

The free exhibition, which opens to the public today, was officially opened at the gallery yesterday, when all of the students who took part were invited. Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council's portfolio holder for education, skills and culture, also attended the event.

The artwork has been created for the Impressions Gallery's Start education programme, supported by the national Children and the Arts charity.

Sophie Powell, learning manager at the Impressions Gallery, who organised the project, said: "It's brilliant, I think its fantastic.

"This is a hugely positive exhibition for young people and it is also positive for them to be involved. We have had quite a lot of good feedback about the exhibition already.

"This is part of our aim to show challenging work. The schools we have worked with on the project are really diverse.

"Each of the head creations also features the students holding them up to their faces.

"We asked the students what they wanted to do when they are older.

"This project has also been the first time that a lot of the students have visited an art exhibition.

"The students were all really open to coming to experience art and an exhibition."

Anne McNeill, the director of Impressions Gallery, added: "We are delighted to be able to work with Grange Technology College, and Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College to provide a transformational art experience for children and young people in Bradford.

"Start enhances our existing high quality education programme and highlights our commitment to developing deeper and more meaningful relationships with schools in Bradford."

Teachers at both schools also praised the project.

Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College art teacher Sandra Hirst said: "The Start project has been a valuable experience for our students.

"It has enabled them to access photographic images they would not normally see.

"They enjoyed the practical workshops and as a teacher I felt the students were inspired by what they saw."

Revealed will run at the Impressions Gallery until Monday, August 31.