An event aimed at budding artists saw a giant Union Jack being created in Mitcham town centre on Saturday.
BUDDING artists created a giant Union Jack in Mitcham town centre as part of a community art project on Saturday.
Artist Roland Lawar co-ordinated the efforts of visitors of all ages to paint and put together the artwork for ‘The Big Draw’.
He sawed a template into pieces, each of which was completed by a participant who wrote their nationality on it.
“Art is unifying. It’s multicultural and it’s a very powerful thing,” said Mr Lawar. “As a local artist I felt proud to be asked to join in.”
The jigsaw was put together by participants of various nationalities, tying the project to Black History Month.
Tanyi Emila Agbor and her 7-year-old son, Bernard Atem, came straight from a football match to the event.
She said: “The project is very good. Things like this help the community to understand black doesn’t equal outcast.”
Asheq Akhtar, Merton Council’s Arts Development Officer, explained there was nowhere in Mitcham for people to look at art or give it a go.
“It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this but you have to take risks,” said Mr Akhtar. “Art is an inclusive thing. We wanted to give local people something to be proud of.”
The Big Draw encourages people of all ages and abilities to get involved with art in their area.
Mitcham’s Big Draw was just the start. To take part yourself visit Merton and Morden Guild, Morden, on October 22 or Merton Abbey Mills, Colliers Wood, on October 24.
Nationally, there will be more than 1,200 events throughout October.
