Buzzing with colour, the Co-op Corner Mural stands as a testament to community spirit. This vibrant artwork is on Howard Street. It’s right on the side of the Iffley Road Co-op shop. Let’s dive into the story behind this eye-catching mural.
The Co-op Corner Mural is the creation of Lisa Curtis, who paints under the name Lisa MadeIt. She also decorated a nearby alleyway. It transformed a dingy walkway into a vibrant space. This earlier project was crowdfunded by over 130 residents. The success of that mural paved the way for this new artwork.
This Co-op Corner Mural aims to brighten up the road. It hopes to lift the spirits of residents. Locals played a part in suggesting what should be on it. They wanted wildlife, birds, insects, flowers, trees, bicycles and dogs. Even the river found its place in the design.
Max Morris, a Green Party candidate and local resident, praised the mural. He said it made Howard Street even more welcoming. He also noted that Lisa’s art celebrates the community’s love of nature. Many local people came together to support the initiative.
Councillor Emily Kerr loves seeing street art popping up in East Oxford. She thinks it makes walking around the area more enjoyable. Children especially love spotting the different elements of the art.
The Co-op Corner Mural extends the original mural. It continues the theme of bringing life and colour to the area. The Iffley Road Food store partnered with Boundary Brook Community Projects for this project. Together, they transformed a plain space. The goal was to bring positivity and community pride to East Oxford.
Lisa MadeIt crafted the mural over five days. It reflects the vibrant community. The Co-op Corner Mural features a scootering dog and skateboarders. You will also see rollerbladers and a girl doing a handstand. Each detail captures the energy and spirit of East Oxford.
Haidar-Ali Bokhari, the Store Manager at Iffley Road Food, is delighted with the mural. He said Lisa’s vibrant colours and community-centric approach benefit Iffley Road. The mural has transformed local spaces. It makes them inviting and lively. It fosters a sense of pride among store colleagues. The hope is to bring joy to customers and inspire artists.
Dawn Weller, a volunteer at Boundary Brook Community Projects, also shared her thoughts. She said it was a pleasure to contribute to the mural. Local residents appreciate how the artwork reflects the area’s uniqueness. The mural strengthens community bonds.
Through initiatives like this, the community inspires creativity. They spread joy. They create sustainable differences. This mural is a perfect example of doing good together. The Co-op Corner Mural stands as a bright beacon. It shows what can happen when a community comes together. It celebrates its unique spirit through art.