View plans for George Ward Gardens public art

PROPOSALS for a series of public art pieces around the George Ward Gardens Persimmon Homes site will be available to view at an exhibition this month.

The works proposed have all been influenced by the former George Ward School logo, and includes a ‘Rings of Harmony’ entrance sculpture, river seating and a school inspired art trail across the site. 

Planet Art, who have been  working with the community for the past three months to develop the designs, will host the exhibition at the Town Hall from 28th of January until 2nd February. On display will be their design ideas, along with a location plan, and work completed by residents and school students. 

On the first day of the exhibition, Tuesday 28th January, Planet Art will be holding a meeting with representatives from the steering group. From 6pm to 7pm visitors can have a informal discussion with the artists in the Town Hall reception area. From 7pm to 8pm, the artists will talk through their ideas in the main hall.

The exhibition will be available for viewing during the Town Hall’s usual opening times.

Diana Hatton who has been managing the project said, “This project is a testament to the skills and quality of the commissioned artists, great interest and creative response from the Melksham communities and  the steering group who all truly care about and represent their town. I’m looking forward to something beautifully crafted through a great local process.”

Over the past three months, Planet Art have worked with approximately 1,000 local people of all ages to develop the design. 

During the summer they held workshops at; the George Ward Gardens site, the opening of the Melksham splashpad, the Melksham Marker’s Market,  the Food & River Festival, the 800th Market Charter anniversary celebrations, River Mead School, Melksham Oak School, Forest and Sandridge School, and Shaw Primary School.