Young people created a big splash of colour this summer in Kings Chase shopping centre. 13 local young people took part in 4 art workshops led by Bristol based artist Sophie Rae. They worked together to plan and paint a mural to brighten up a dark corner beneath the car park steps. Taking inspiration from nature, they created a vibrant design including fish, birds, trees and a slug hiding under a rainbow. New friends were made and they all felt proud and satisfied with what they’d help achieve.
Some of the comments from the young people are below:
“We did what we wanted to in the workshops then put it all together to make a wonderful combination.”
“I’ve liked doing the mural. It’s different and exciting.”
“It’s nice to paint for the community. We should do the whole place!”
“I hope people enjoy seeing it when they’re shopping”
“I’ve grown up in this area and know the people in Kings Chase. It’s great to be part of it.”
Passersby commented on how lovely and bright it looked and congratulated the young people on their hard work. The parents of the young people were really pleased and proud their children were participating, and some had shared the excitement of the mural across the family encouraging them to visit.
Hopefully the mural will brighten the day of everyone who walks past it for years to come.
With huge thanks to Kingsmeadow@made forever for hosting the workshops, Creative Youth Network for supporting the project, Southern Brooks Community Partnerships for coordinating, Kings Chase shopping Centre for providing the wall and enthusiasm, Templewood Security for providing a security guard for the morning, Wilko for the paint and South Glos Council for the funding to enable this to take place.
