A talented teenage student has taken her first steps into the professional art world through a creative work experience placement at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud.
Milly a local secondary school student with a flair for illustration and design, has spent a week working alongside the well-known local artist Mark Amis, whose vibrant and distinctive artwork can be seen throughout the centre.
As part of her placement, Milly supported work on several ongoing in-house art projects, including a striking new piece featuring Chinese dragons, which is now proudly displayed on one of the centre’s main columns.
Five Valleys has long celebrated creativity as part of its identity, with original murals, installations, and painted features bringing colour and character to the town centre retail, office and leisure location.
Mark Amis has played a key part in pieces across the centre, with his artwork becoming a popular part of the centre’s unique atmosphere – from one off murals to creative signage.
Mark said: “The whole venture has been a real success, and it has been a privilege to encourage an up-and-coming artist at this formative stage of her career. We achieved a lot in five days and Milly not only exceeded expectations with her natural design and illustration gifts but also showed an incredible attitude.
“She was able to paint detailed freehand artwork in a busy public environment – and even stayed composed on Friday afternoon when the centre filled with excitable schoolchildren starting their summer break! Milly’s natural talent is clear, and with the right support and encouragement, she has a bright future ahead.”
Centre Manager at Five Valleys Erica Malpass said the centre team was pleased to assist with the opportunity for Milly to spend some time at Five Valleys with the on-going artwork projects undertaken by Mark.
She added: “We pride ourselves on doing things differently at Five Valleys and the unique artwork and signage we have throughout the centre is certainly a big part of that.”
To keep up to date with news and events at Five Valleys visit www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk
