Preston’s mural artist supremo Shawn Sharpe has won praise for his latest creation.
He donated his time and skills for The Foxton’s new ‘We Are Here’ mural inside their new Avenham youth and community centre.
Working with young people who use the Knowsley Street centre, which opened last month, Sharpe said he was ‘surprised how quickly it came together’.
Read more: What Foxton’s young people and team make of the new community centre
He said: “Huge thanks to The Foxton Centre for trusting me to paint a mural in their new community hub.
“Each year I try to donate some time and skills to a cause that matters. This time, I chose Foxton.
“With some creative direction from the youth team, we came up with this design together.
“I surprised myself with how quickly it came together, despite some unexpected obstacles and a looming deadline, I managed to complete the whole thing in just 12 hours. With so many projects on at the same time including fundraising, traveling for work, starting a new business Mural Makers amongst other things I’m happy we got it done for opening day!”
Foxton chief executive Cath Coffey said: “Our young people were delighted to meet a local artist whose work is famous in Preston and they have seen his work around the city. The fact Shawn was kind enough to talk to them and get their views, meant a lot to them.
“Shawn represented what young people asked for and what was important to them about Avenham and Frenchwood. It’s a signature piece and everyone wants a photograph in front of it, which demonstrates how special it is.”
Sharpe is currently fundraising to create his largest mural yet on the side of the Limehouse building close to the city’s new Animate leisure complex and Markets.
His Spray It Forward initiative is close to reaching its crowdfunding target – any additional funding will help his wider mural initiatives in the city.
Shawn said: “If this is what we can do in a day and a half for Foxton… imagine what could happen in the city centre over a weekend with some proper funding.
“I’m currently working behind the scenes on creating a world class graffiti/street art festival for our city. 2026 could be the year.”
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