THE formal unveiling of a new piece of Earley community art took place at the weekend.
The work called, Earley,One Square at a Time, has been created by people from the town, of all ages, genders and faiths.
Made up of 100 individual patchwork squares, each one tells its creator’s story.
Now, installed on the wall, it can be seen by everyone.
Liz Kerry, curator of Art Space in St. Nicolas, and organiser of the project, said: “It was a very successful and happy event, with people from a wide range of communities gathered together.
“It looks very different high on the wall, and many people said they could see things now that they couldn’t before when it was laid out flat.
“The diamond shape especially surprised people.
“It was originally intended to help people see all the squares clearly, as it organises the work, but it wasn’t very visible on the flat.”
“Now it’s quite striking, created using a log cabin patchwork style.
“The diamond shape was traditionally a symbol of the home,” explained Liz.
“And there’s a red square in the centre representing warmth, food and love.
“The dark stripes indicate safety for sleeping, and the light stripes for waking and work, which rather suits urban Earley.”
Speeches at the opening noted everyone’s contributions, and pointed out the variety of groups and individuals that have been connected through the project.
There was praise too for the surprising layers of meaning found in the work, for its individual squares, and for the way it symbolises the diversity and the connectedness of the community.
Cllr Adrian Mather Mayor of Wokingham Borough Council Mayor, Earley Town Council Mayor Mike Smith, and Yuan Yang, Earley and Woodley constituency’s new MP, all attended the opening.
Yuan Yang in her speech took the opportunity to express her commitment to the area and its people, and explained how she can be of help to the community in her new role.
The patchwork quilt can be seen at the Art Space in St Nicolas, Earley.
For information, visit: www.stnicolas.org.uk
