A REDDITCH illustrator has begun work on a project she hopes will promote her home town and help the community too.
Art student Madison White, from Winyates East, came up with an idea for a colouring book celebrating Redditch while she was studying in Bangkok, and she has already begun work on the project following talks with publishers.
“I had never thought of doing a colouring book until last year when I was studying in Thailand. The book I created of the skylines of Bangkok inspired me to try something similar in Redditch,” said the Birmingham City University student.
“I thought it would be a good way to promote Redditch and look at it in a different way. It’s the town I grew up in and it means a lot to me.”
The book, aimed at adults, will feature local landmarks including the Palace Theatre, churches and Forge Mill.
Former Arrow Vale student Madison is hoping the book will be published in time for autumn, with 30 images, 20 of which will be Madison’s own work with the final 10 chosen from student entries.
After Easter, the full time student will be visiting colleges and sixth forms in the town to launch a competition for art students to enter their own works to be considered too.
“When I was applying to university, I found I needed a portfolio of work to show, so I think having a piece of work published in this way could be a real step up to prospective students,” she said.
“I would like to thank Emma Newfield, from the Redditch Town Centre Partnershipwho has helped me connect with publishers and with schools.”
The book, being published by Minuteman Press Redditch, may also showcase some of its history, featuring images from the past before it was a new town.
Madison is also hoping the book will help give something back to the place she grew up and has requested all profits go to projects to benefit local people.
She has also asked for some copies of the colouring book to be put in Hillcrest Hospital and some care homes, dementia ones in particular.
Visit www.mcwillustrations.com to see some of Madison’s work.
