A 20-Metre Community Art Commission in Boorley Green

At 20 meters in length, this is my largest art commission to date—a collaborative public art project created with the residents of Botley and Boorley Green. The piece combines painting and printmaking, celebrating local life through community creativity.

Boorley Green community frieze panels artwork with Sue’s acrylic painting celebrating local community art

Creating the Artwork

My wife, Sue, and I painted 15 plywood panels with a rhythmic, abstract landscape using high-quality acrylic paints. Thanks to the support of Wyvern College, we were able to use their art classrooms during the summer holidays to bring the vision to life.

We’re grateful to local businesses for their generosity:

• B&Q, who heavily discounted the plywood

• Jackson Art Supplies and Handprinted UK, who provided the paints and inks

Community Printmaking Workshops

To make this a true community artwork, we’ve scheduled six printmaking workshops with local groups, including a summer camp and the Women’s Institute. These sessions invite residents to create images that reflect what they cherish about life in the parish of Botley.

Botley and Boorley Green Women’s Institute printmaking artwork for the community frieze project

So far, contributions include:

• Local buildings and landmarks

• Animals and birds found in the area

• The parish’s unique flora and fauna

Participants are experimenting with foam board and vinyl printing techniques to capture their ideas and memories.

Assorted colourful linocut prints on deli paper for Boorley Green community public art frieze

Celebrating Local Identity Through Art

This commission is more than just a large-scale artwork—it’s a community project that brings people together through creativity. The final piece will stand as a vibrant reflection of Botley and Boorley Green’s identity, heritage, and natural beauty