Fire-hit Erdington church's splash of colour

By hgreaves

ERDINGTON artists have added a splash of colour to brighten up fire-ravaged St Barnabas Church.

An empty unit in Central Square was converted into a an art studio for children, shoppers and local artists to create unique works of art for display on the plain timber hoardings which protect the church while it awaits reconstruction.

Children from St Barnabas Church Primary School painted stories from the Bible from which more than 30 were selected to be transferred to the boards.

Plantsbrook School and Erdington Arts Forum also took part in the project.

Reverend Freda Evans, Team Rector of Erdington, said: "The arts project involved the whole community.

"We were thrilled that Erdington Arts Forum was extremely enthusiastic and came on board with artist Heather Rowland co-ordinating the venture.

"Our thanks also must go to the Erdington Town Centre Partnership management team who provided an ideal location for the studio. The finished project is something that everyone can enjoy for some time to come."

Heather Rowland thanked Birmingham's Ikon Gallery for providing much-needed materials and technical support.

"We have had help from a lot of people, not least Ikon, and local company Colliers for supplying a van and driver to transport the finished paintings to the church grounds," she said.

St Barnabas Church was destroyed by arsonists in 2007.