Artist
Ask Pete to bring 2D and 3D art alive in your setting with his remarkably free Impressionist style of painting. Large school murals combine with water colour and acrylic painting to display a fantastic expression of creative achievement.
Pete will gently challenge anyone who says they can’t paint by introducing them to techniques that will capture the moods of nature. “I never knew I could do this…it feels great!” a resident of a care home remarked recently.
His work in special schools emphasises the therapeutic qualities of his work which often combine with songs and music. The joy of making the picture as well as the final result are celebrated – both process and product.
Using large and small brushes, adapted for people with disabilities, incredible results are achieved in a very short period of time. Self drying clay is also also used to give participants super 3D experiences.
Pete runs art workshops in schools, community centres, youth clubs and as part of corporate team building days.
Mural Art
Pete paints striking murals in partnership with other artists of all ages
Pennsylvania International Friendship Group’s Community Mural Project 2022 – 2023
Five artists were involved – Pete Stevenson, Kat Black, Maddy Lomas, Olivia Tew and Jen Philips. Given our inclusive values, we estimate that 75 residents contributed to at least one mural.
Research tells us that to involve young people in the creation of community murals greatly reduces the likelihood of future vandalism. In all cases local residents were involved in the design of the murals and DCF was credited every time.
Pat Lenton of the Newtown Secret Garden said,
“We are delighted with our mural – not just because of the beautiful images that now adorn our community, but to strike a chord with our environmental values was great. In addition, some songs and performance poetry – brilliant!!”
September / October 2022. The Exeter Tool-shop alleyway, off Thurlow Road. An image celebrating the values of the city’s inter faith communities, led by Pete Stevenson and Kat Black, involving 30 children, students, parents and grand parents.
October 2022. A mural to enhance the outdoor play area of the Sylvania Community Stores and Café Exeter on the theme of animal and biodiversity, led by Pete Stevenson and Jen Philips, involving 10 pre-school children and parents.
March 2023. A garage wall next to The Mount Pleasant Health Centre Exeter, supported by local resident Mick Smith and the Friends of Mount Pleasant Surgery. A vibrant summer garden image in an Impressionist style. We covered ugly graffiti. “It lifts my spirit every time I get off the bus!” – local resident. Led by Pete Stevenson and Maddy Lomas, this image involved 12 local residents, mainly children.
April 2023. A celebration of race equality and cultural diversity on the wooden perimeter fence of Stoke Hill Day Nursey and Pre School Exeter, facing a public playground. Led by Pete Stevenson with contributions from 20 pre school children, supported by 5 members of staff.
June 2023. Newtown Primary School Exeter. A painting led by Pete Stevenson to acknowledge the rich international content of their school roll. Thirty children contributed.
July 2023 St. James Secondary School. Led by Pete Stevenson this painting supports the school’s environmental sustainability values. Another Impressionist image with contributions from eight pupils who follow an alternative curriculum.
July 2023 A multi-cultural mural on the front wall of Sylvania Community Stores and Café by Olivia Tew. This remarkable painting captures the spirit of our International Friendship Group.
July 2023 The Newtown Secret Garden alleyway at the rear of Chute Street Exeter. Here a group of residents cares for local wildlife and grows their own food using organic techniques. This painting supports their aims and involved fifteen children and adults.
August 2023 The Beacon Community Centre, Exeter. This community hub chose a design to support their gardening project where fruit and vegetables are grown by service users.