A creative bid to welcome the first residents of a Farnham development has been signed, sealed and delivered.
More than 500 community-designed cards have been delivered to Brightwells Yard residents in a scheme overseen by The New Ashgate Gallery.
The ‘How Bright Can We Go: The Card-Making Challenge’ was a community-focused art initiative led by artist Kate Kennington Steer to welcome residents to Brightwells.
Participants were encouraged to design a mixed-media greetings card with a “festive message of inclusivity” in a project supported by the South Street Trust.
The original target was to make 239 cards – one for every household on the development – but Farnham’s artistic community rose to the challenge in style.
Some 485 artists of all ages and abilities created designs through free and inclusive workshops during the summer and autumn that celebrated creativity and connection.
The project began on June 23 with workshops taking place during major local events like Farnham Folk Day and October Craft Month.
The success of the project has thrilled the gallery and Kate, who brings her personal experiences as an artist with a disability to her work.
She said: “How Bright began as a great challenge but it became one which was embrace by the free workshop participants with huge enthusiasm.
“More than 500 welcome cards were started, easily beating the 239 we needed.”
Kate added: “Along the way the New Ashgate team and I managed to impart some new art skills and have important conversations about how people want to treat one another, now the divisive Brightwells Yard development is here.
“Everyone was positive about welcoming people to Farnham, about how it was a creative place to live, which was good to hear.”
Some of the workshops introduced participants to creative techniques such as stencilling, stamping, and collage, while also providing a relaxed and welcoming space to explore themes of inclusivity, well-being, and community.
The workshops offered something for everyone, from families creating together to individuals discovering the joy of handmade art.
Many participants appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the community, with one calling the workshop a “calming and enjoyable experience.
Another said: “I didn’t know how much fun card-making could be – I feel like I’ve learnt something new and can’t wait to try it again at home.”
The delivery of the welcome cards was a community-wide effort, with additional support from volunteers from St Andrew’s Parish Council and organisations such as DAiSY and Creative Response.
Dr Outi Remes, Director of the New Ashgate Gallery, said the How Bright project epitomises what Farnham is all about: creativity, community spirit and inclusivity.
She said: “It was heartwarming to see participants come together to create something meaningful for new residents.
“We are grateful to Kate, our partners, and the South Street Trust for making this initiative possible.”
She added: “This project is a testament to Farnham’s welcoming spirit and the power of creativity to bring people together.”
The cards were delivered in November, bringing a festive touch to Brightwell’s Yard and spreading joy to new residents. The project also received funding from the South Street Trust and support from Farnham Town Council, DAiSY, Creative Response and others.
For more information about upcoming New Ashgate Gallery projects and workshops, visit https://www.newashgate.org.uk/whats-on or email [email protected]