Over a hundred people turned up for the unveiling of a colourful new mural co-created by Stockbridge-born, Liverpool-based artist Cherie Grist, local residents and schoolchildren.
Produced by community arts organisation Heart of Glass and commissioned by social housing landlord ForHousing, the mural called “Home” occupies a vast gable end on Stockbridge Village’s main row of shops and was developed through a series of workshops with more than 250 people.
As well as being a space to get creative, each workshop offered a space for local people to share their stories and suggestions about what Stockbridge means to them.
Cherie brought together the designs to create a mural that celebrates Stockbridge Village. As well as the mural, the designs were used in a series of shopping / tote bags that have been distributed to those involved, and a colouring book that will be made freely available to local residents and schoolchildren.
Funded by Arts Council England, the mural was commissioned by ForHousing and produced by Heart of Glass following consultation with the community, as part of its Arts Council England Creative People and Places programme.
Groups involved were: Flourish and Succeed and the Mens Hive group, Littlewoods of Stockbridge Association, the Junior Rangers, Meadow Park Community Orchard, Phoenix Social Group, Safari Kids Club, SCIP (Stockbridge Community Intergenerational Project), St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Stockbridge Library Colouring Group, Stockbridge Village Primary School and Young People from Skills Centre.
Cherie Grist is an artist from Stockbridge, based in Liverpool and works across fine art, digital art and fashion.
Cherie Grist, mural artist said: “I am thrilled to be able to work on this project in my hometown, with my community. I hope that the finished mural reflects residents’ thoughts and feelings about living here.”
A local resident said:
“This is the first time I have seen something like this in this community and it is fantastic. My kids have been talking about it. I came here every day to see the development, it has been wonderful. I think that it tells what the community stand for; unity, being together, helping ourselves and supporting ourselves,”
Another local resident whose design featured in the artwork said:
“We spent two hours on a Monday evening with the lads getting together, all different backgrounds. We were asked to come up with a design for the mural and luckily enough, mine got chosen which I’m very proud of. It’s about getting those doors opened again for me and just trying to get involved with as much as I can.”
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: Its wonderful to see this fantastic mural become part of Knowsley’s ever-growing portfolio of public art. What makes this one so very special is that Cherie grew up here and has worked closely with her community to truly celebrate the area.
Angy Williams, Head of Creative People and Places at Heart of Glass, said:
“We’re so thrilled to unveil this mural, which is the tenth piece of public art we’ve created in collaboration with communities across St Helens and Knowsley. While each design has been unique to the location and the people and artists involved, they all represent the power of art to bring us together and reimagine our neighbourhoods.”
Toria Buzza, Head of Community and Tenant Involvement said: “This mural is a reflection of the community spirit in Stockbridge. We hope that it helps to regenerate the local area, putting Stockbridge on the map as the wonderful place that it is.”
Find out more about the project here: https://www.heartofglass.org.uk/projects-and-events/projects/home
