Jenny Owen shares her South Woodham Ferrers Mural Story
I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to become involved in a large-scale art project with our Community; thanks to ‘SPARK!’ For the chance to apply. The way the project was organised was great, the team from Chelmsford were professional, supportive and there were lots of opportunities for the community to get involved from the choice of artist to the many ideas we shared for the design. Lily’s interpretation of those ideas combined with her glorious, colourful style have created an amazing piece of art in a key walkway through our town. It was a privilege to be a part of this project and I’m delighted with the finished result!
Discussions during the workshops included phrases such as ‘It’s so nice to be a part of this’ and ‘What a wonderful idea for the community to be involved with this’. Comments from passers by during the painting included ‘It’s joyous!’ And ‘It’s bright and fresh, thank you to all who were involved’ on social media. There have been comments from people interested in the Chelmsford Concrete Canvas wanting to come over to our town to see our mural! I have attached a screenshot of a few of the many comments from the SWF Facebook page at the end…
The SWF Creatives group was started to raise the profile of creativity in our town… this project has made a huge impact on this! Through our involvement with local schools, the community via social media, general interest from passers by and talking to locals, the impact is obvious. The mural has created a bright, colourful and joyful moment that completely enhances a main walkway through our town.
Not only does it brighten up a worn and tired looking space, it is a permanent record of the large number of the community from young to old, coming together to plan, support and create a lasting visual record of community celebration of our town. This has been skilfully and beautifully articulated by Lily’s incredible artwork. I have no doubt all of those involved will walk past this record of artistic achievement and point out ‘their bit’ for many years to come.
Written by Jenny Owen of South Woodham Ferrers Creatives, who co-selected Uwu Studio, from over 200 applicants, to collaborate with, alongside local schools, to co-design and co-create a mural at Scholars Walk Underpass in South Woodham Ferrers.
This mural is one of four, co-created with communities across the district of Chelmsford in 2026, as part of Concrete Canvas: Reimagined.
Concrete Canvas: Reimagined is part of the Young Cultural Changemakers Programme, produced by Culture Chelmsford and SPARK!, in collaboration with Chelmsford For You & Concrete Canvas, funded by Arts Council England, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford College, Chelmsford For You, Great Baddow Parish Council, Mister Gees Foundation and sponsored by Alfreshco, Community RePaint, Thirst Drinks Syndicate and Wickes.
