Shoppers and visitors will be able to enjoy a new splash of colour on Shirley high street as artists get to work painting flowers on utility boxes.
Solihull Council has commissioned Pickle Illustration to turn six utility boxes into pieces of public art along the Stratford Road as part of the work to brighten the high street in Shirley.
When finished, the six art pieces will form a mini art trail along the Stratford Road through QR codes which will encourage residents, families, and visitors to explore their local high street.
Flowers have been chosen as the theme of the trail to create cohesion running along the high street - from the public art piece ‘Poppy Island’ to the white daisies that adorn the entrance to Shirley Park. Each design will feature hidden ‘minibeasts’ for children to find.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Partnerships and Wellbeing said:
“I’m sure shoppers and visitors will appreciate more colour being added to Shirley through this project, which will transform six utility boxes into art pieces that will brighten the area. The artists, Pickle Illustration, have already started to produce some eye-catching work.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the mini art trail when it is finished in a couple of months, and I hope residents will enjoy these new art pieces as they pass through the high street.”
Any local businesses that would like to help form and shape future projects in the area, should contact business@solihull.gov.uk to join Shirley Ambassadors Group.
Find out more about the artists, Pickle Illustration.