In collaboration with Millbrook Park, RampArtist Paige le Geyt has put together a magical mural design, that will feature next to the Hut Cafe.
As well as its eye-catching and vibrant design, the mural has the special feature of sensory panels, meaning it also specifically caters for children who are autistic or neurodivergent. Mural artist Paige is autistic, and knows the value an element like this can bring to these children and families who visit the park.
Paige explained: “The texture panels were a really exciting addition to the mural for me; I’m autistic, and part of that for me is having sensory sensitivities, particularly around tactile input. I often use the theme of sensation in my work, incorporating various textural elements that are designed to be explored, giving people an insight into my experiences.
“The panels were a way to cater to children at the park who are also autistic or neurodivergent as the general park environment can be really overwhelming. I hope that by providing some positive sensory input the quiet space of the hut these children will have a space to take a break and will feel more accessible to these children and their families.
Harley Woodward from The Hut Cafe said: “Coronation Park is a beautiful area and now thanks to RampArts Jersey and their wonderful RampArtists, we now have a pavilion that matches. I can’t thank them enough, it’s beautiful”.
Bruce Labey, the parks Senior Operations Manager added: “Just been down to see the new mural and it is really marvellous. I love the colours and the tactile pads included at nipper level. Thank you so much for your help with this and let’s do some more!”.
RampArts brings together local creatives who work within the arts; including muralists, painters, illustrators, musicians and many more. Heather Brown, founder of RampArts said: “Special thanks to Bruce and the park team, and The Hut Café, for trusting us to put together an eye catching, enhancing, playful mural for all park visitors to enjoy.
“Our focus is also community driven, to add value and bring art into the world for islanders to enjoy. Sadly after only a week of completion the mural was a target by vandals. Bunting was removed from the space and two of the important sensory panels were damaged. It’s sad to think that something with such a positive message and genuine purpose could be attacked in this way.
“We want to reiterate the strong community spirit the mural holds and urge those who visit the park to respect it and consider the joy it brings families and visitors.”
Paige summed up by saying: “I think the mural will benefit anyone who visits the park; the space is now brighter and more welcoming and allows children and their families to engage more with their environment.
“Public art is important as it means that arts and culture are accessible to people as a part of their every day, which fits in better with people’s busy lifestyles.”
Main picture: Paige Le Geyt and PJ Thomson. All photo credits: Barney de la Cloche
