Mitsubishi Pencil Co. has lent its support to a ‘Children in Need’ project, which creates a safe haven for young people in Liverpool. ‘DIY SOS: The Big Build’ has transformed a rundown youth centre in a one-off special for the annual charity appeal.
The Big Build team took on their biggest project to date with the complete refurbishment of the Norris Green Youth Centre, a dilapidated youth facility in one of Liverpool’s most deprived areas.
The mammoth Big Build challenge was supported by a donation of 80 uni POSCA marker pens by Mitsubishi Pencil Co. to transform a huge wall space in the centre’s recreation room.
“We are thrilled to have been involved in this fantastic makeover. Norris Green Youth Centre helps young people to broaden their horizons and is a priceless facility for its local community.” commented Stuart Barker, marketing manager for Mitsubishi Pencil Co.
Artist Dave Bain used the uni POSCA markers to create a custom woodland mural, with help from fellow Bristol-based artist Loch Ness.
The 5m by 12m wall was transformed using a mixture of mediums. Matt vinyl paint was first applied with the design then being drawn directly on top using black uni POSCA marker pens ranging from fine tip up to extra broad chisel tip.
Working alongside a team of over 150 volunteers on site, Dave and Loch Ness had only four days to complete the mural, working in building site conditions throughout.
Dave commented: “The centre is used by a wide range of young adults aged from 12 right up to 20 years old, so I wanted to create a design that wasn’t too childish.
“The woodland theme aims to bring the outdoors inside and features colourful friendly characters that have a bit of an edge.
“uni POSCA marker pens worked well for this project because we had a large area to cover in a limited time and the pens are very fluid and easy to use.”
Norris Green gives a rare beacon of hope to the young people in the area, attracting at least 50 children every evening, seven days a week. With the help of the local community the huge workforce of tradesmen and volunteers fully refurbished and extended the centre to provide better facilities.
The team had to pull out all the stops; only having nine days to complete the whole restoration, which included fitting a new kitchen, installing three mezzanine floors and replacing the roof.
“The task was huge but everyone was really touched by the reactions of the staff and children when the results were revealed.” added Dave.
“Young people can sometimes be quite guarded when expressing emotions so I was pleasantly surprised by the gratitude and enthusiasm which they showed.”
Stuart Barker added: “The team put in an incredible effort to complete this project in such a short amount of time. Dave and Loch Ness have created an extraordinary piece which we hope will inspire visitors to the centre.”
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