Wednesfield Library will host the Bentley Bridge Community Art Exhibition from 9 to 15 May which will showcase designs for a sculptural public art commission that will link Bentley Bridge to Wednesfield Village.
It will feature sculptural artwork and sketches by students, local residents and community groups along with initial designs for a major new public artwork commission at Bentley Bridge Retail Park.
The exhibition has been organised by local arts partnership Planet Art, who have been commissioned to create the new artwork and have been running workshops with local people to gather ideas for their designs. The commission is due to be completed by autumn 2013.
The exhibition will also give people a chance to contribute ideas and comments on the proposed artwork commission.
It will be launched at 2pm on Thursday 9 May and is free to visit throughout the usual library opening times of 9am to 5pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9am to 4pm on Saturdays, and from 9am until 7pm on Monday and Thursday.
The commission has been funded by the owners of the Bentley Bridge Leisure Park who are hoping that it will build a stronger link between the shopping centre and Wednesfield village.
The aim of this project is to create inspiring artwork that will engage both the local community and shoppers from beyond the area. It is intended to raise awareness of Wednesfield's rich heritage, develop a sense of pride in the town and encourage shoppers to visit its historic high street.
Artwork by students and community groups across Wednesfield, including Wednesfield High School, Coppice Performing Arts School, St Patrick's Catholic School, Wodensfield School, Edward the Elder Primary School, St Thomas's Church coffee morning group, Asian ladies community group, Scouts groups, Ashmore Park Youth Centre, local historians and the Local Neighbourhood Partnership will also be part of the exhibition.
Wolverhampton City Council's Culture, Arts and Heritage section is working closely with Wednesfield and Fallings Park LNP and a community working group to facilitate the project, which is being managed by Sophie Heath, Curator of Bilston Craft Gallery.
Wednesfield and Fallings Park LNP Chair James Clarke, who is part of the Working Group for the Project, said: "We have been working towards this day over the last 18 months and are excited about the art exhibition, it will give the people of Wednesfield and surrounding areas the opportunity to see some of the ideas the local community have for the designs of the artwork."
- released: Tuesday 7 May, 2013