Year 9 Collaborate with a Local Surrey Artist

Year 9 Students Collaborate with Local Surrey Artist to Design Artwork for the New Merstham Rec

Excitement was in the air today at Merstham Recreation Ground as a group of 15 creative Year 9 students embarked on an inspiring project to design artwork for the newly renovated park. Working alongside a talented local Surrey-based artist “Uncle Stubble” and Borough Council officers Kay and Bruno, these students are helping to transform the space into a vibrant, dynamic environment that blends art, nature, and community. Their collaborative efforts will be featured on the pavilion’s exterior and on innovative parkour equipment, adding a bold splash of colour and energy to this beloved local landmark.

The collaboration between the Year 9 students and Stubble, highlights the importance of community involvement in public art projects. Uncle Stubble is known for his diverse and versatile work, with a style that spans everything from intricate wall murals to varnished wood pieces and everything in between. Stubble’s ability to adapt his approach to different surfaces and settings made him the perfect partner for this project, which requires a combination of creativity, skill, and attention to detail. He has created large-scale murals in the community as well as in primary and high schools. This has given Uncle Stubble the privilege of using his art to reach the very children he aims to inspire every day.

Stubble’s belief in the power of art to influence positive change in young people resonates deeply with the Year 9 students. "Contemporary marketing & advertising seems to be the only area really using art to influence & construct, and not necessarily always in a good way, so why not use it to inspire an interest in education, creativity, and learning?".

One of the main focuses of the collaboration is the side of the pavilion at Merstham Rec. The council aims to create a stunning visual feature that will reflect the vibrancy of the community and the park's diverse users. The students have been thinking, sketching, and experimenting with different designs, and will be working closely with Uncle Stubble to ensure their ideas come to life.