Wolverhampton art students sitting pretty as they ask public for views on city
Art students in Wolverhampton took to the streets to give locals the chance to reflect on their thoughts about the city.
Busy shoppers were encouraged to take a moment to answer the question 'Wolverhampton - Art you sitting comfortably?' - asking people to chat about their connections to the city.
Two students from Wolverhampton School of Art offered a comfy cushion to city centre shoppers in exchange for thoughts and ideas about the city.
Mature art student and newcomer to the city, Linda Bridges, said: "On my first visit to Wolverhampton I was impressed with the graceful old buildings, a tree-lined high street and friendly local people, but the changes to the high street are all too evident.
"Many towns are successfully turning to their creative community to bring back pride and character, so I’m offering a comfy seat while people chat about how they connect with the Wolverhampton community."
Fellow student Rhona Murfin has spent much of her working life in Wolverhampton and has witnessed how the city centre has changed over the years.
She said: "My work relates to my strong affection for Wolverhampton and the people who live here, I want to learn how people see the city's future developing."
Combination
Linda added: "We are two mature fine arts students who believe that art can be a powerful springboard for new ideas, after all Wolverhampton has a reputation for people with strong ‘making skills’ and for practical determination.
"It also has a well-known school of art, what a great combination!"
Gavin Rogers, lecturer in fine art at the Wolverhampton School of Art, said: "At the school of art we try and encourage our students to think how can art impact people's lives.
"The two works that Linda and Rhona have presented are a prime example of art having a meaningful conversation with the city, a chance to listen to the city and re-imagine it."
Documentation of the pair's work, along with other artist's responses to Wolverhampton, will be on show at the Eagle Works on Alexandra Street from January 4 2019, opening at 6.30pm.
More information can be found at www.eagle-works.com.
