Our Schools & Arts Project
Last summer, when plans for our new office at Salt Quay House were taking shape, we saw an opportunity to fulfil our commitment to work with local young people.
Margo Greenwood from Devon Arts in Schools Initiative (DAISI) introduced us to local artistic metal worker Katie Lake, a director of Flameworks Creative Arts Facility, the largest artist-led workspace facility in Devon and Cornwall.
Katie took on our commission to create a bespoke metal artwork for our ground floor reception. Her experience of working with schools meant our Schools and Arts Project quickly took shape.
With the help of Barefoot, the agency for Plymouth Arts in Schools, pupils from Pomphlett Primary School, St Boniface College and Woodford Junior School were selected. Their inspiration, talent and experience created the very special art work we have today.
The pupils were asked to draw their interpretations of the screen’s theme – the sea and harbour and submitted ideas for the design. One drawing in particular, by Brandon Constantinou of Woodford Junior School, was selected as his interpretation captured the stunning waterside environment of our new office with waves, a lighthouse and the sun.
Workshops run by Katie then gave the pupils an insight into how a professional artist creates a metal art installation from commission to unveiling. Along the way they also had great fun with hands-on experience in welding, bending and working with metal.
Our aim was to make this collaborative art work the centre point of our reception, seen by every single visitor to Salt Quay House. The three panelled screen is 3m high, made of forged powder coated mild steel, which is both functional and an eye catching work of art. A bespoke fused glass circle gives the piece a vibrancy and focal point.
We are delighted with the final design and Katie’s interpretation of our brief and we hope the three local schools also enjoyed being part of this very special project.
Building on our collaboration with Katie we are delighted to showcase works from other Flameworks artists on our client suite on the sixth floor.
For further information on our Schools & Arts project, please contact Susan Tucker, on 01752 675508 or email, susan.tucker@footanstey.com
Published 12/06/2009.
