In recent weeks we have been sharing images on social media of Marlow’s Path of Positivity, and this week we will share more information on the project.
The Path of Positivity is a community initiative to transform the alleyway than runs alongside Marlow Football Club’s ground.
The concrete wall has long been covered in unsightly graffiti, as our photo here shows, and the initiative is well underway – working along the wall, painting bold and colourful designs.
The project started as an idea to support young people’s mental health, to give students a confidence boost or new perspective on their way to and from school by turning a dull wall into vibrant artwork with uplifting messages.
The project was initiated by local resident, and former Deputy Mayor, Colleen Stapley, who is painting the panels alongside another Marlow resident Crispin Sturrock.
There are 75 panels to be painted, various designs are planned- but a major aspect is the involvement of local schools, the path will feature designs contributed by students from Great Marlow, Borlase, Holy Trinity, Sandygate, St. Peter’s, Spinfield, Foxes Piece and Little Marlow. The alleyway is used by many students going to and from school
Collen said “We are almost halfway, and I would like to thank everyone who has donated to our GoFundMe page to get us this far. We now need to raise £400 more to place our next paint order“.
With 75 panels ( 300 sq metres in area!) and the need for primer, paint, UV/Anti-graffiti sealant, and supplies – community funding is essential and at the heart of the project. This link has more details on the project, and is where you can donate: www.gofundme.com/f/help-make-the-path-of-positivity-a-reality
Colleen was recently interviewed on Marlow FM, and you can listen to the interview here www.marlowfm.co.uk/listen-again/ (Select “Good Morning Marlow”, “Tue8th July”, and fast forward to approx 33 mins 10 seconds in!)
School contributions so far
We will add more photos to this article as the project develops!
Great Marlow
GMS students Clara Burge and Charlotte Pearson, year 10 GCSE art students collaborated on the message, design and colours.
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Holy Trinity
Designed by Scarlett Drury, who explained here inspiration “Neurodivergence is my superpower and I wanted everyone to see that it’s not something that defines me or holds me down. If you’re not neurodivergent know that weren’t not all the same, there are different ends of the spectrum which means we’re all different – so don’t treat us all the same. My autism is my superpower what’s yours?”
Little Marlow School
Designed by George Sykes: “I wanted to pick a quote about kindness because my pappy always talked about being kind. I drew the world because I want everyone in the world to be kind – the hearts are kindness and the hands are people.”
Sandygate School
Jamie McGrath from Sandygate (Marlow Cof E Infant School) is next to her “You can do it!” panel, and said “My Mummy & Daddy say ‘You can do it’ when I want to do something but think I can’t. It makes me feel like I can do anything and I wanted to use bubble writing to make it stand out, it’s fun!”
Borlase
Katherine Irvine (in the white shirt) is in Year 7 at Borlase, together with Emily Stubbings in
Year 12 who runs the art club. “I really like the quote, I think it’s a good message and I wanted to do it in bubble writing because it makes it pop. I wanted to put it with a rainbow because those aren’t always perfect as well.”
The wall really is looking fabulous , keep an eye here and on our socials for updates!