By KLTV Newsdesk –

Creative Scene, a local arts organisation based in Dewsbury, has partnered with community group Keep Hecky Tidy and Heckmondwike Salvation Army’s Friday Friends group to transform traditional phone boxes into captivating art galleries.

The project, which began in September last year, features artwork inspired by the theme of ‘peace’ and is now on display on Heckmondwike High Street until the end of February.

Art Inspired by Community and Nature

Local painter and visual artist Rachael Gorton collaborated with attendees of the Friday Friends group to develop the installation.

Through a series of creative sessions, the group explored what ‘peace’ meant to them, resulting in a stunning landscape that reflects the four seasons and takes inspiration from nearby parks.

The artwork encapsulates the group’s collective ideas and serves as a visual representation of tranquillity and harmony.

Bringing Art to Everyday Life

Henry Raby, Participation and Engagement Lead for Creative Scene expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “It’s been an honour to work with the talented artist Rachael Gorton and the individuals at the Friday Friends group to create this very special exhibition.

“We hope the display brings a smile to people’s faces as they wander past and makes people think about the word ‘Peace’ and what it means to them.

“Huge thanks to Keep Hecky Tidy for working with us again on the project and to the Friday Friends group at the Salvation Army in Heckmondwike for getting involved and making it a success.”

Creative Scene, which produces and commissions art across Kirklees, aims to make art a part of everyday life.

This project, funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme, focuses on engaging communities with limited access to cultural activities.

A Platform for Connection

Janet Devine, Corps Sergeant Major of the Heckmondwike Salvation Army, spoke about the project’s impact: “When Creative Scene approached us about the project, we jumped at the chance to be involved.

“Friday Friends is a very relaxed environment where people can just come and sit and enjoy a cup of tea, but we also want to offer activities for people to get involved in and this fitted perfectly.

“People enjoy fun, interactive sessions and get to contribute to the artwork being displayed in these unique phone box galleries for all to see.”

Visual artist Rachael Gorton praised the collaborative spirit of the group: “It’s been an honour to work on this special project with Friday Friends, a group full of community spirit.

“Everyone contributed generously, sharing local insights, exploring imagery, colours and themes, refining ideas, making, painting, and, of course, supplying plenty of tea and biscuits.

“Along the way, we shared many fun moments alongside meaningful conversations. The resulting artwork is a true collaboration, shaped by the group’s activities and insights, and it’s a joy to now share it with the wider community.”

A Lasting Impression

The Phone Box Art Galleries are a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration.

They invite locals and visitors alike to reflect on the theme of peace while celebrating Heckmondwike’s unique character.

The display is open to the public until the end of February, offering an inspiring pause for thought amid the hustle and bustle of daily life.