Ray of sunshine helps transform park in Calton

A Glasgow community has come together to bring a ray of sunshine to its local park. Elcho Gardens in Calton, in the city’s east end, now displays an Art Deco-style sunrise mural after the community got its paintbrushes out.  

It is the work of a range of people, led by Thenue Communities – part of Thenue Housing – and local residents’ group the Calton Area Association, along with Glasgow Life’s Artists in Residence, volunteers from We are With You (formerly known as Addaction) and local school St Anne’s Primary.
 
The project began some weeks ago, with the delivery of 200 art packs to people in Calton, inviting them to design a drawing for the wall at Elcho Gardens. The Glasgow Life Artists in Residence also worked closely with St Anne's primary which also submitted designs.

The winning design of the mural and its bright colours was done by St Anne’s primary pupil Ghena who painted the final part of the mural at a socially distanced event held recently. She was accompanied by classmates, and local people were delighted to see the young people.  

Poetry, written by local resident Jess Dalrymple, was also read out by the children who added some musical entertainment to the delight of everyone there.

The community received generous funding help – notably a ‘Wee G’ grant secured by the North East Health and Social Care Partnership, while Thenue Communities’ staff time was funded by a Community Recovery Grant.
 
The mural also complements the work being done to expand growing space funded by Glasgow City Council’s Stalled Spaces grant awarded to Thenue Communities.

A spokesperson for Thenue Housing said: “This sunrise mural is another shining example of what can be achieved when it comes to community empowerment. 

“We thank everyone involved for their efforts which have literally brought a ray of sunshine to a local park.” 

Pictured: Pupil Ghena adds a final touch to the sunrise mural.