New mural brightens the work of First Days
A WOKINGHAM charity has unveiled a colourful new artwork created by artistic duo Two Lost Birds, and Sketcher Joey.
First Days Children’s Charity’s mural was commissioned after a team member saw Amy Smith and Jo Romero at work, and decided they were just the people to brighten up the organisation’s premises.
Woodley artist Amy, of Two Lost Birds, said: “Jo and I were delighted to paint a mural for First Days. They asked us to create something hopeful and uplifting to help make their Elevate building entrance more welcoming for the families who come to them.
“We love what First Days does, it really touches us.”
Like some of First Day’s children, co-artist and author Ms Romer, from Tilehurst, had a difficult start herself.
“Jo can remember wearing old clothes to school, and feeling rejected,” continued Amy. “She was quite emotional about the work the charity does to support families in difficulty, and we were really keen to support First Days.
“We wanted it to be a bit Banksy.
“We do various styles, but were keen that this piece wouldn’t only be bright and hopeful, but would help to make the Elevate Centre attractive for children, not just somewhere you have to go to with mum, but somewhere it’s cool to be.”
First Days hopes that the mural will bring colour to the darkness in more ways than one.
Suzie King, head of operations at
First Days, said: “We absolutely love the new artwork. We’ve been keeping it a secret from the team since September.
“We first noticed their work when they had painted a beautiful picture of an elephant on a garage door, and we asked if they could do something for us, too.
“It’s wonderful – they’ve used Wokingham’s skyline, and included our balloon logo, as well as happy children.
“We hope that it will bring light to our families’ lives at a time that is economically so dreadful. “But it celebrates our staff and volunteers, too, reminding us all why we do what we do.
“Interest in it has been amazing, and we’re so proud of it.
“We love this Elevate space, it works perfectly for us, but it was a police station, and the entrance was a little dark. The mural really brightens up the space and makes it more welcoming for families.”
The artists have supplied two further artworks which will give colour to the building’s windows as well as its wall.
The charity aims to give choice, restores dignity and empowers families who are living with a low income or are experiencing financial hardship, offering everyday essentials for children who need them, and peer support and one to one coaching for parents.