@ Beechenhurst

Launch - Saturday 4th November 2017 from 2pm Exhibition runs until Sunday 19th November 2017

YOUNG PEOPLE ACROSS THE JOIN TOGETHER TO MAKE A REALLY BIG NOISE ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER MOST TO THEM

THE EVOLUTION

A warm welcome to everyone, you are now a part of our BARK community. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you our journey so far.

During the summer of 2015 a small group of students at Gloucester and Forest Alternative School Provision (GFAPS) worked with Felix Braun, a veteran street artist from Bristol and founder of Paintsmiths. This core group developed a project called BARK to enable GFAPS students to return to the wider community as art coaches and mentor young people in a range of educational settings, encouraging self expression through the medium of Street Art.

Early in the Spring of 2016 we started the drive to secure funding and also engage our local community. GFAPS students were directly involved in delivering the BARK concept out in the community. By the end of 2016 we met with two new Paintsmiths , Jack and Tom, who shared skills and ideas with all students at GFAPS forming the new core BARK team.

During 2017 the BARK team visited each of our community groups and delivered three full day workshops. Our GFAPS students were able to encourage all young people to shout out loud in a visual way about the things that mattered most to them as we all benefited from the constant professional guidance given by our artists.

Around one hundred and fifty young artists working out of six organisations have produced fifty one large scale boards which are on display for your appreciation.

Our original core group had at the heart of their vision that the work should be seen in the trees to celebrate being a Forest child.

There could be no better location.

Susan Woodward.

Many thanks to the Arts Council for their substantial grant towards the cost of BARK.

Many thanks to the Summerfield Charitable Trust for their substantial grant towards the cost of BARK.

Many thanks to all organisations who contributed towards the cost of BARK.

The BARK project needs to credit the value added for all the time and effort invested by some key adults who were pivotal in the evolution and success of this project. Jane Collins at and Sixth Form Centre. Gareth Ovens & Fiona Morrissey at the Forest Of Dean Scouts. Adrian Woodward at Community School. Rob Toomer at Artspace Cinderford. Kate Charles at The Dean . Susan Woodward at GFAPS. Many thanks to The Forestry Commission England for hosting the project and for contributing towards the project costs.

Many thanks to the Sculpture Trust for their support and advice.

Thanks is simply not enough! Felix Braun Jack Dones Tom Sledgemore It was a privilege working with you. www.paintsmiths.org

Huge thanks to Lisa and her team at Travis Perkins in .

Thanks for always having the colours we needed with brilliant customer service.

Thanks to every member of GFAPS staff who have simply gone the extra mile to make BARK happen. Too many to mention by name, need to say Elisa, Alison and Philippa. x KEEP AN OPEN MIND

We wanted to create an image to show that it is good to be open-minded. This has been done by using a dark coloured silhouetted figure with an ‘open mind’ in front of a dull grey brick wall with lots of bright colours emitting from the head to represent creativity and individuality. We also included the image of the black and white hands together to represent equality and unity.

LAURIE, ETHAN AND CHRIS EQUALITY

The theme for our board was equality, we divided our board up into 4 equal parts we each focussed on an equality issue that was important to us. Around the outside of the board we have written stereotypes that we think should be challenged, along with statements and things that we don’t like. All of our aspects join together in the middle of the board to create a big equality heart using colours from each section. ANYA, EMILY, BESS AND NAOMI AUTISM AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

For our board we focussed on animal cruelty and autism as they are topics that we are very passionate about. We split our board in half so as we could each do our own work but faded them together in the middle to make them one image. Sian -Something as little as buying only cruelty free make-up and cosmetics will make such a difference. Kara -I wanted to help celebrate differences by showing individuality.

SIAN AND KARA

STAR WARS AND MYTHICAL PLACES

We decorated our board according to all of our interests, it is all about creativity and inspiration and we wanted it to look fun. We took elements from the things that we find most interesting or inspiring which were; Star Wars, Pokemon and Harry Potter. We then combined them to make an interesting composition. Our image celebrates creativity, individuality and magic. We have imagined, star wars, Harry Potter, and Pokemon all in the same universe. JUDE RAY, HARRY, CHARLIE AND JAMES ON AIR A couple of our young people muscled in on workshop time at Artspace and during the Scouts weekend sessions, we simply couldn't shake them... claiming a board, talking to our artists and using so much spray paint. All in true rock band style! Who are we to limit their desire to promote the value of music? More than happy to support a new young band called ON AIR. So we said go on have more paint boys! Rock on.

ON AIR ARE WILF, OLLY, FINN, MORGAN AND ARTHUR.

OLLY AND WILF @ ARTSPACE AND SCOUTS NO ABUSE NO BULLYING

Our piece tells you about how bad abuse and bullying is. It represents abuse and people who have been bullied.

BRADLEY, ROSS, WYATT AND COURTNEY

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

We made this to tell people to follow their dreams and don’t worry about the bad things happening in the world and just to focus on their dream.

KASEY AND GRAICIE SPEAK OUT

Our group has created a canvas of mental illness and drugs, using spray paints. Our aim is to show everyone that they have people who can help and support them, in times they need it most.

TAIYA, ELLA, LEXI, MAZY AND BARNEY PEACE AND WAR

We wanted to show the difference between peace and war and how war could be fixed with Peace if we try. We got images online and also free-handed a lot of them. We separated Peace and War into two sections and then over-flowed each area with peace and war.

HOLLY, JADE, JOSIE-MAY AND CERYS

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Our piece of work has been based on star wars, this is something we both like and the latest film was filmed at puzzle wood. We have really enjoyed working with the artist and learning how to make art with spray paint.

NEAL AND SEB

PRIDE

Our group’s concept was to express equality and sexuality in different ways, including Korean writing (Hangul) and quotes. Pikachu is just there for the ‘bants.. The rainbow drops represent the Gay Pride flag.

RYLEIGH, LEIA, TEQUILA AND JESSIE

FANTASY

Our board was about Fantasy and mythical creatures. We’ve done a Galaxy background and a sun and a moon. We chose Fantasy because we both love mythical things and cartoon stuff. Melody thinks, “We could have used different shades and angles, e.g. a piece of card to add shade.” Molly thinks, “I think anything else added would have ruined it.” MELODY AND MOLLY

LIKE LIFE

We spray-painted a picture to do with the things we like. James contributed things to do with Harry Potter, whilst Tabitha and Pippa contributed things to do with Japan, Anime and cats. We used stencils. We drew and cut out and spray-painted it onto a large board.

JAMES, PIPPA AND TABITHA

WIN OR LOSE

Our board was about Pac-Man. We accomplished it by using and making stencils and images from our heads. It is supposed to represent tackling obstacles and the need to work harder to reach your goal.

JOSH, KIA AND TREV

BE YOURSELF

Never hide behind a mask, be who you are at all times. Be honest with other people and you and your truth will be accepted.

JAMES, SUPPORTED BY LINDON AND JAY

RADIATION

What goes around comes around so make sure what your giving out is what you want to get back!

CHLOE

RESPECT

Inspired by the ‘Girls Can’ advertising campaign we decided to celebrate all that girls can be and are to us.

ADAM AND JOSEF SUPPORTED BY LINDON, JAY AND OUR KS2 STUDENTS

LIFE AND DEATH

So much can be said with a smiley face.

Even the bad bits like death can be beautiful especially if you look at the way Mexicans celebrate the end of life.

CALLUM

TROUBLE

All the choices are yours in life. Mistakes may be made. It is how you deal with these that makes you a good person. Call a friend in times of need and don't try to go it alone.

JAY

DROP OUT

Do not discriminate, please.

NIALL, CHLOE, ADAM, RHIANNA, KAHN, ROWAN, BRANDON AND ARCHIE.

AIM HIGH

Believe in all that you are.

NIALL, CHLOE, ADAM, RHIANNA, KAHN, ROWAN, BRANDON AND ARCHIE.

KNIFE CRIME COSTS LIVES

The harm lasts forever.

NIALL, CHLOE, ADAM, RHIANNA, KAHN, ROWAN, BRANDON AND ARCHIE.

EAT SLEEP RAVE REPEAT

Our board is about Grime music and we used Krepe and Konan as our inspiration. We included all interests in our team and reflected the history of music by also including reference to Drum and Bass.

UENDJI, STEVE AND WILL

ANIMAL CRUELTY

Our board is about abuse against dogs, especially the dangerous dog breeds. We like all dogs and they should all be treated fairly and within the law. When you choose a pet you are committed to providing a good life for the animal.

TOM, PATRIK AND KACPER

VORTEX

My board is about order within chaos. I was inspired by cavemen hand painting on walls and the confusion of the human mind. The human mind is not developed by the miss-use of drugs which is represented by Pikachu, the Panda and the Clown. The Bomb is the calm in the centre of the storm.

BILLY

ANTI TERRORISM

We have made art that focussed on anti-terrorism. There are images of terrorists with a NO symbol over the top and images of bombs and guns. Our aim is to encourage people to stand up against terrorism across the world.

JAMIE-RAY, JOE, LOUIS, NATTY, MYRON and MACKENZIE

FRIENDSHIP

Our board is about friendship and we found a lot of inspiration from images on the internet. We hope that people who value friendship see this art and enjoy our work.

BRAD, HANNA AND JULIANA

A COLD ONE

Friendship is the most important thing about being young.

ALEX, BEN, JAMES AND MAX

GRIME NOT CRIME

We wanted to introduce Grime music to younger generations and highlight that the music is the most important thing. Also to show them where this music originated and that Tupac is the Hip Hop king.

NATALIE, LAUREN, COREY, CAMERON AND GAGE WAR AND PEACE

Our piece was about all that is good and all that is bad in the world. It shows that despite all the bad things that have happened in the world we have emerged more strong and beautiful. We were inspired by the history of our world and by each other while developing our ideas.

TAZ, CALLUM, KATIE AND ZAC PEACE

Our board is about world peace. We hope many people see it and enjoy it. We have used the dove as a universal symbol for peace and adapted the cat icon to reach for the sky in hope rather than, as would usually be expected, attacking the bird.

LUKE AND KOEBEE JOIN THE ADVENTURE

We want to spread the word about the wonderful opportunities available to young people and adults at Forest of Dean Scouts by depicting the Scout emblem in a forest with falling Scout emblem shaped leaves.

FIONA AND ANGELA OUR FOREST

Our team combined designs about deforestation, species and protecting wild boar into a single image. The sun is beaming down on an island – the only land remaining in a flooded earth as a result of deforestation and global warming. The half dog half wild boar image highlights the discrimination against certain animal species that are seen by humans only as food. This image also highlights the need to protect the wild boar in the Forest of Dean.

OLLY, MORGAN AND ABIGAIL EQUALITY

Equal in all things and in all aspects of life. Human beings should support each other irrespective on colour, faith, sexuality or political ideas. Lets all live together on top of the waves and under the sun.

ELLIE AND HER TEAM THE FUTURE IS OURS

We must all take responsibility for the future of our planet. Everything we do has an impact.

THE FUTURE TEAM TEAMWORK

We must all work together to create harmony and love. Treat each other equally in all areas in life and support others who may need help. Together is stronger.

HOPE AND HER TEAM DON’T LET ILLNESS STOP YOUR FUN

Many young people have to manage illness or disability. We wanted our board to say that this should never stop you having fun when you are young.

TOM AND HIS TEAM FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

This is our Hogwarts and Mermaids magical fantasy board. We hope you like it. Aimee included a fantastic image of her favourite magical creature, a mermaid. Kaitlyn sprayed an eerie image of Hogwarts at the top of the board. We then combined our images with the message "Follow your dreams" and hope you do too. KAITLYN AND AIMEE SPORT BRINGS PEACE

We wanted to make an image which could show how teamwork and sport can help bring an end to conflict. There are so many wars in the world where people have to fight or flee from their homes. Yet we all come together in sport which is a good way to compete but not fight.

THE A TEAM CATS AND CAKE

Ben and Noah combined their love of animals and cake with an image of a birthday cake – the flames of which are shaped as animals. Ben’s art reflects his love of cats and rabbits but also carries the serious message that he would like Animal Cruelty to stop.

Noah’s art is a pure celebration of cakes.

BEN AND NOAH GOOD AND EVIL

We wanted to highlight the battle between all the love in the world and all the hate, which can be so damaging.

Young people need to focus on the positive energy that is developed through friendship, trust and hope. Live life for today and be happy and beautiful.

LYDIA, LUCY AND THEIR TEAM. BULLYING

Our theme is bulling which often takes place on social media and within the gaming community. We started off with the idea of ‘Bowser’ bullying ‘ Mario’ and also included light v’s dark. We were happy with our background free hand spray and spent a lot of time cutting stencils. Our characters look like they are moving as we moved the stencil and did multiple sprays in a variety of colours, it was really effective.

DEAN, TOBY AND JARIUS POVERTY

Our team agreed that poverty should be our core topic as it is all around us. It is a thing that we cannot escape either locally, nationally or globally. One half of the board represents poor people and the other half the rich people. We hope that our message will make everyone stop and think about humanity.

JAZMINE, BETHANY, JORDAN AND ERIN THE TREE OF LIFE

As a symbol our tree represents all life. We wanted to show that life has good and bad moments but they are both beautiful in their own way.

MILLY, PAIGE AND ELLIE EQUALITY

Our theme is equality and we have chosen to show this by creating two hands coming together in a rainbow over an umbrella. We created text which communicates the need to ‘Teach Peace’ worldwide which is shown in hands of many colours.

BETHAN AND IZZIE ABUSE

We have created a piece of art to depict a variety of forms of abuse around the world. Animal Testing, humanity and toxins Invade our world. We would like to see more equality and fair treatment for all creatures and hope that this work shares our message with others.

CORENTINE, GEORGIE AND AMELIE 911 TWIN TOWERS

This is a memorial piece dedicated to all those who were effected by the 911 disaster. Their futures caught in a Dream catcher and a wish for peace in our world now.

DANIEL AND ARCHIE DRUG ABUSE

A syringe stabs into a mans skull to represent death, which is often the outcome of drug abuse. Our inspirational quote drives home our message to all young people.

LIFE CAN TAKE YOU HIGHER THAN DRUGS.

MASON, HARRIS, FINNLEY, JUDE AND NAILL MORE THAN A NUMBER

Photography, Deforestation, Animals, Landscape, Maths. A huge team effort shouting out about being more than just a number. Our world needs everyone the think about our impact on the environment.

ROSIE, SEAN, BETHANY, KAYLEE AND LAURA CREATIVITY FESTIVAL Wyedean School hosts an annual Creativity Festival and this year Jay from GFAPS was proud to support a spray paint workshop for all young people having a go for the first time. This final BARK board is thick with paint as so many people got up and simply revelled in the ability to spray paint and make their mark. Layers of fun.

This bit of wood represents the future and all the enthusiasm our young people have in the Street Art movement which is theirs to command and develop. Thanks Wyedean for the space to show it. OUR NEW GENERATION ARE READY FOR BARK 2 - I wonder what they might say?

OUR NEXT STEPS

We hope to begin planning for BARK 2 very soon. If you would like to send feedback on this event or have any ideas we could investigate, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Susan.

Susan Woodward Lead Teacher

Gloucester and Forest Alternative Provision School Joys Green Centre School Road GL17 9QX [email protected] 01594 860289