A stunning new community artwork has blossomed on Sidmouth’s Wallspace, bringing a burst of colour and creativity to the town just in time for spring. Titled The Million Flowers Community Art Project, this vibrant installation celebrates the beauty and diversity of flowers in Sidmouth, inspired by the vision of local benefactor Keith Owen.
The project was spearheaded by artist Maureen Hawkridge and the Exploring Art group of Sidmouth u3a, the same team behind the acclaimed Our Town community art project in 2022/2023. Maureen’s concept for a flower mural was born from Keith Owen’s dream of filling Sidmouth with flowers, a vision that has now come to life in this collaborative masterpiece.
A Community Effort
The Exploring Art group kicked off the project by creating their own flower paintings to inspire others. Throughout the summer of 2024, they hosted flower painting workshops open to all, encouraging people of all ages and skill levels to pick up a brush and join in. Workshops were also held in local schools, facilitated by Sidmouth School of Art and led by Exploring Art volunteers.
In total, an incredible 401 participants aged 4 to 85 contributed their artwork, resulting in a final piece featuring over 500 flowers, leaves, butterflies, and insects. Maureen Hawkridge meticulously scanned and digitally collaged each painting using Photoshop, transforming them into a cohesive and breathtaking design.
Reflecting on the process, Maureen said, “Scanning and arranging the flowers was a lengthy task, but the beauty of the paintings kept me motivated. No two flowers were the same, and that’s what makes this piece so special. The joy and enthusiasm from everyone involved was truly inspiring.”
The Power of Participation
Louise Cole of Sidmouth School of Art highlighted the importance of community involvement, saying, “Participation is key. Taking part, trying something new, and learning a skill together fosters a sense of shared purpose and belonging. This artwork is a joyful celebration of nature and collaboration.”
Supported by the Community
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund and Sidmouth School of Art, a visual arts charity dedicated to making Sidmouth a hub for creativity. Over the past 15 years, the Keith Owen Fund has awarded over £1 million in grants to local projects, including community gardens, floral displays, wildflower meadows, and nature conservation initiatives.
Kate Tobin, a committee member for the Keith Owen Fund, expressed her delight at the project’s success: “We’re thrilled to see so many people come together to create this beautiful artwork, inspired by Keith Owen’s vision and his incredible gift to the Sid Valley. We hope it inspires others and encourage community groups to reach out if they have a project that could benefit from our support.”
Where to See It
The Million Flowers Community Artwork poster is now on display at the Wallspace billboard, located in the car park by Sidmouth’s swimming pool. Wallspace, a public gallery initiative by Sidmouth School of Art, serves as a platform to showcase community creativity, spark curiosity, and bring people together.
Maureen added, “The Wallspace billboard is unique to Sidmouth, and we’re fortunate to have this opportunity to publicly celebrate the work of everyone involved in the project. It’s a tribute to those who make flowers bloom, whether in public spaces or their own gardens.”
Watch the Story Unfold
To see the artwork come to life, watch the installation video on YouTube or visit Sidmouth School of Art’s website for more details: The Million Flowers Community Art Project | Sidmouth School Of Art.
This spring, let the Million Flowers Community Art Project remind us of the beauty of nature, the power of collaboration, and the enduring legacy of Keith Owen’s vision for Sidmouth.
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