AN UNASSUMING brick building in a Rubery park has been given a new lease of life thanks to the creative and collaborative efforts of local artists and students.
The National Grid owned building near the playground in St Chads Park, Rubery has been adorned with painted sculptures reminiscent of scenes from Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows.
The artwork was created through collaborative workshops between Northfield based art couple, Fran and Andy Decomyn, and a student project at Waseley Hills High School (WHHS) – all funded by a Bromsgrove District Council (BDC) grant scheme.
Waseley students replaced weathered and worn artwork on the building after enjoying workshops with Fran and Andy to brainstorm ideas, sketch drawings and work towards the final piece.
The group settled on themes of British wildlife and nature with the finished piece featuring all sorts of animals including foxes, birds, squirrels, bats, and grubby insects nestled in woodland scenery. One side of the artwork depicts a daytime scene, while the other represents nighttime.
Fran, a primary school teacher and lead artists on the project, spoke of how ‘lovely’ it was to join the kids as they enjoyed seeing their work displayed in public and commended them for their ‘fantastic’ creativity.
Fran added: “There are so many skills you can gain from creative outlets.
“They’ve done a fantastic job, the artwork is brilliant.
“It’s also been great to see the children build confidence through the project and earn a sense of pride because of what they’ve produced.”
Andy, a sculptor and public artist, spoke of his gratitude that the project had helped the ‘kids believe in themselves.’
He added: “It’s enormous what they get out of a project like this.”
Rubery councillor, Esther Gray, who helped secure a grant for the project and supported its delivery, said her goal was ‘to raise a sense of wellbeing and positivity in the village’.
Coun Gray added: “I’m thrilled to bits.
“There’s lots of details in the artwork that I just love and it’s a great boost for the local area.”
Coun Gray helped secure £1,000 through BDC’s ReNEW North East Worcestershire grant scheme which was supported by extra funds from the Rubery Village Assocation.
Although National Grid had no involvement in the project, they were happy to give permission for the artwork to be installed on their property.
The Standard is awaiting comment from the Waseley Hills High School project leader.
