Bus shelter art celebrates nature and heritage

Fazeley, a town near Tamworth, has recently seen a creative transformation thanks to a local art project. Four bus shelters in the area have been painted with vibrant designs that celebrate both the town's heritage and the natural beauty found nearby. The project was organized by New Urban Era, also known as Nue, a collective that supports artistic projects in the community. According to Nue, the new artwork has brought 'vibrant colour and a renewed sense of pride' to Fazeley, making the town more attractive and giving residents something to feel proud about.

One of the standout pieces is a painting of a bull by artist Steve 'graffoflarge' Edwards at the White Park bus shelter. The bull is a tribute to Fazeley's name, which is believed to mean 'bull's meadow. ' The artwork features a bull's head painted with green, pink, and white lines against a blue background, set on a brick wall. Another artist, Aerosol FX, created a colorful scene inspired by Tameside Nature Reserve, including a heron, a robin, and other birds, as well as a blue lake surrounded by green grass and trees. These designs highlight the local wildlife and natural scenery that make Fazeley special.

Artist Wingy contributed a painting of a squirrel, representing the animals and nature found around the Mile Oak area. The squirrel's face is painted in brown and white, with a background of dark green, yellow, and brown. Katie O, another artist, focused on Fazeley's rich heritage by painting landmarks such as the town hall, the mill, and the canal. Her design also includes canal boats surrounded by autumn leaves, adding a seasonal touch. Nue's founder, Vic Brown, said the project was a success and received positive feedback from the community. He expressed excitement about plans to transform even more bus shelters in Tamworth and Fazeley in the future. Nue is funded by groups like Arts Council England and the borough council, and it aims to enrich the community through art, music, and environmental projects. The bus shelter art is just one example of how Nue is helping to make Fazeley a more vibrant and welcoming place.