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RSA Students create stunning murals for Welcare

Two talented students from Reigate School of Art, Hope Coulston and Travis Haines, recently transformed the walls of Welcare in Redhill with murals, winning a live brief set by the local family support centre.

In Summer 2023, Welcare reached out to the College to find fresh designs for a mural, as their existing one was in need of replacement. In October 2023. Welcare staff came to visit our Art and Design Level 3 students to share insights about their organisation and the vision for the project.

After months of preparation, Welcare staff returned in May 2024 to review the students’ final presentations and designs. The two winners were Hope Coulston and Travis Haines.

Hope’s Underwater Theme Mural	Travis’s Park Theme Mural

The murals were completed in July 2024. Hope, joined by two course mates, painted her underwater scene directly onto the playground wall, creating a new vibrant and immersive space. Meanwhile, Travis’s park design was produced on three large boards, which were varnished and mounted on-site with help from community supporters.

Reflecting on the experience, Hope commented: “I was really excited to showcase off my ideas and final design after working on the brief for around 3 months. When visiting Welcare, it was so fun to see my design come to life!”

After both murals were complete, Welcare invited Hope and Travis with friends, family and staff from East Surrey College so that we could say a heartfelt thank you for their hard work. 

When families were asked to describe the murals in one word, their enthusiastic responses included:

Friendly, bright, cheerful, together, joyful, welcomed, safe, inclusive, nostalgic, community, cosy, inspired, childlike, vibrant, rainbow, hope, happy, calm, relaxed, engaged, fresh, uplifting, inviting.