Schoolchildren have designs on public art project
Pieces of public art
inspired by local schoolchildren are being installed as part of the
ongoing improvements to Barry's main shopping street.
The Vale of Glamorgan Council, in partnership with the Welsh
Assembly Government, arts management agency Celfwaith and artists
Heather Parnell, Andrew Rowe and David Mackie, have worked with
local traders, residents and schools to develop ideas for the
pavement features in Holton Road.
The final works have been
developed through direct workshops with the Age Concern café and
the town's Holton and St Helen’s RC junior schools.
The 120 pavers will be sited at Holton Road's main junctions
from King Square to Beryl Road, and artist Heather Parnell said:
“Our conversations with groups and individuals confirmed a strong
interest in the shops of Holton Road and how they related to the
expansion of Barry through the development of the docks and the
South Wales coal industry. The shopping theme was investigated in
the workshops to develop images of products sold now and in the
past in a number of shops along Holton Road."
Vale council Director of
Environmental and Economic Regeneration Rob Quick said: "Designing
and developing public art was a great opportunity to work with
local residents, traders and schoolchildren on this major
regeneration project. Involving local groups has allowed them to
make their own mark on the scheme. It has instilled a sense of
local pride."
For further information, contact the council's economic
development unit on 01446 704782 or email barryregeneration@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
Captions:
Top group: Year 6 pupils from St Helen's RC
Junior School, Barry, with back row, from left: Artist Heather
Parnell, Mererid Velioes, of Celfwaith, and deputy head Susan
Evans.
Bottom group: Holton (Barry) Primary
pupils with back row, from left: Artist Heather Parnell, teacher
Ann Moggridge and Mererid Velioes, of Celfwaith.
16/04/2008