Creative Living Centre Mosaic Sign

Written by Volunteer Rachel with contributions from Creative Living Centre Interim Chief Officer Lorna

Members and volunteers, with the help and guidance from local artist Caroline Coates, @carolinecoatesart have created a bright mosaic for the front of the CLC building. It has been created to make the centre stand out and invite the community in.
​
The group decided together on what images should be included and how best to represent the welcoming feel of the centre. As the tree is a central part of CLC’s logo it was chosen to be the focus of the mosaic (If you look closely you’ll also notice the tree doubles as a hand too). Members chose to incorporate flowers, bees, hearts and cups of tea to symbolise the holistic care the centre provides- who doesn’t love a brew and a natter?

​To help members get to grips with mosaic making they first made their own piece.
Mosaic making is like putting a jigsaw together, it can be tricky but has great rewards. The project was great for putting cognitive and creative skills to the test.

It took around 7 weeks for the mosaic to be created with the support of Caroline. Starting with the outline, choosing colours so they knew the design outline, then placing and sticking tiles to match the patterns. Once the coloured and patterned tiles were added the outside space was filled with white tiles to help the art work stand out.
​
Members and volunteers that took part:
Julie, Rebecca, Roger, Rhonda, Anna P, Bruce, Anna L, Kevin, Khalid, Jaisil, Margaret, Lynsey, Donna, June, Shoshana
Volunteers Rachael, Poppy, Flora

​With thanks, this project was part funded by The Parklife Community Fund – “The Community Fund is run by Parklife in collaboration with Manchester, Bury and Rochdale councils. It is the result of the festival’s approach to partnership working with the three local authorities and has made over £394,000 from the 2017-2024 festivals available for the benefit of community groups (priority is given to groups and projects that utilise parks and open spaces and / or work with young people).”
​
Installation Day

The big unveiling
We had a beautiful day for it and a great turnout to celebrate the work of our members and volunteers. This mosaic was crafted with the support of Caroline Coates Illustration and Craft Workshops and now has pride of place at the front of the building. ​

"I am incredibly proud of all the members and volunteers who helped create this wonderful piece of art work. This is now proudly displayed at the front of the building where we hope this will be a welcoming addition to the centre showcasing our talented community and further highlighting the benefits of creativity in mental health and wellbeing work " - Lorna Wilson, Interim Chief Officer for the CLC.