Community group's art project is for sharing by the Riverside

By Neil Speight

23rd May 2020 | Local News

AN art project for young people has been launched in Grays.

'Smiles4All' is funded by the Riverside Community Big Local community charity and is a way of connecting people who are missing their family and friends.

The project is run by Kara Thompson, a young local artist who launched a social enterprise company known as Creative Generations which is about using art to connect people.

She recently (pre lockdown) worked with Thameside Primary School. The school took a group of children to Frederick Andrews Court, Sheltered Housing and the session went very well, with more to follow when the pandemic is over.

The scheme is also supported by Alexandra Godfree, a local mum and Royal Opera House who was the creator of the idea to help stop children becoming bored.

Teresa O'Keefe of Riverside Big Local says: "This project is to encourage sharing drawings between different generations and those who are isolated, we hope to bring Smiles 4 All, across Thurrock.

"The idea is simple, we ask the first person (this may be a child or an adult) to complete one half of a page with their design. All designs can be completed using any coloured pens, pencils and paint.

"The first round of this fun project is based around a handprint, this will be your own handprint which can be drawn or written on, painted or turned into a picture of an animal or anything interesting. When completed, the picture can be delivered either:

By Post to Smiles4All, 13-15 Clarence Road, Grays, RM17 6QA Or

By hand to our collection box in Grays Shopping Centre.

"We will store these pictures for up to 72hrs before passing on to the second person (this allows for Covid 19 recommendations).

"The second person will then complete the remaining half of the design-in this first round it will be to complete their own handprint. The works of art are then complete and after uploading a photograph to Facebook #Smiles4All the picture can then be hung on the wall, or in the window where it could make an interesting Art Trail.

"Anyone can take part, if you can print at home we can send you details. If you need a ready printed version, we can post one to you, or pop it through your door. Or you can just read the instructions on the email, using any piece of paper at home.

"Once you have sent your first picture to an isolated person locally, bringing a smile to them and helping your community to feel more connected, you could then send other ones to family members or friends-sending Smiles4All to everyone you know!

To take part, or for any further information, contact: Teresa by email at [email protected].