An artist has finished the design work for a community art project to be displayed later this year.
Jacky Oliver, the second artist of the Bunhill Heritage project, finished her residency at St Luke’s Community Centre last week. She is preparing a series of modern art pieces to be displayed on Whitecross Street this September.
Funded by Islington Council, the Bunhill Heritage Project invites an artist every year to create public artworks telling the area’s history.
Starting in March 2023, Jacky, a metalworker with over 30 years of experience, has spent the past year researching archival maps and trade journals from Islington Library. The final piece for the project will be inspired by the history of Whitecross Street, a 600-year-old street running between Barbican and Old Street.
“I made lots of postcards using drawing and collage, and some etched metal pieces to generate different ideas. I’ve also asked people to share what they liked about the local area,” Jacky said.
“I’ve finished my design work to be approved by the council and I will continue making a series of pieces in my studio in Bloomsbury. I’m also hoping to hold an exhibition at the local museum to showcase all the work I’ve done for the project,” she added.
Apart from the studio work, Jacky has also organised 10 art workshops to engage residents at the community centre. Her next postcard-making workshop will take place this Sunday, 17th March.
