Published
Walls can tell stories, celebrate communities and inspire change. This semester, Fine Art & Craft students have been discovering exactly that through an exciting creative project with mural artists Peachzz and Natasha Clarke, alongside art community champion Helen Watson, Creative Director at Fox Gallery, Mexborough.
The two-day Street Art workshop marked a key milestone in a project that has been developing throughout the academic year. Since the start of the programme, Peachzz, Natasha and Helen have been working with students, sharing their individual experiences, career journeys and professional practice to help them understand the many opportunities available within the creative industries.
Through a series of talks, discussions and creative activities, the trio brought their own unique perspectives to the project. Students gained valuable insight into the realities of working as professional creatives, exploring everything from public art and mural commissions to gallery practice, community engagement and creative entrepreneurship. Their stories demonstrated that there is no single route into a creative career, but many pathways shaped by passion, persistence and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
At the heart of the project was an exploration of the power of public art. Students discovered how murals and creative interventions can transform everyday spaces, celebrate local heritage and create meaningful connections between people and place. The project also highlighted the importance of collaboration, showing how artists, communities and organisations can work together to create work that reflects local identity and inspires civic pride.
A particular inspiration was Sheffield-based street artist Peachzz, whose vibrant murals can be found transforming public spaces across the UK and beyond. Known for her bold use of colour, playful style and uplifting artwork, Megan, who works under the name Peachzz, encouraged students to embrace creativity with confidence. Through her work and personal journey, she demonstrated how public art can brighten environments, spark conversations and create a lasting connection between people and place.
Peachzz said ”The students at University Campus Doncaster have been so engaged throughout this whole process, and it’s been inspiring as an artist to see. It’s wonderful to see artists develop their creative process and express themselves at large scale.”
Students were equally inspired by Natasha Clarke, Doncaster artist and one half of acclaimed northern mural duo Unfurl, alongside Rebecca Feneley. Natasha shared how large-scale public artworks can celebrate local identity and uncover the stories that make places special, highlighting the power of creativity to connect people through shared experiences and give communities a platform to tell their own stories.
Natasha added, “It has been fantastic to visit Doncaster University as a local artist and pass on my knowledge and experience to the students here. The students’ confidence has grown with working at scale and they have collected valuable skills which they can transfer to other areas of their creative practice”.
The project also introduced students to the work of Fox Gallery, which is coordinating the Arts & Culture for Mexborough Levelling Up Programme. Bringing together artists, schools, businesses and local organisations, the programme celebrates the stories, memories and creativity that have helped define Mexborough over generations. Through collaboration and creative engagement, the initiative is ensuring local voices and heritage remain at the heart of the town’s future while demonstrating how partnership working can create lasting cultural impact.
Creative Director from Fox Gallery Helen summarised, “It’s been wonderful to provide this opportunity for the students and see the results of the students work influenced by local practicing atists sharing new skillsets, knowledge & experiences.”
“This collaboration has been the result of various connections we’ve made whilst delivering the Mexborough Creative Pathway. Peachzz’s creative style and her commitment to working closely with communities make her the perfect Artist for the project. “
For students, the project offered a unique opportunity to learn directly from practising artists while contributing to work inspired by place, identity and community. The workshop itself gave them the chance to put their learning into practice, experimenting with professional mural art techniques, developing original concepts and creating bold artworks inspired by the stories around them.
Armed with paint, sketches and plenty of imagination, students transformed blank surfaces into colourful displays of creativity. As confidence grew, so did the ambition of their work, with each piece reflecting not only newly developed skills but also the inspiration gained from working alongside experienced professionals.
More than a creative workshop, the project has been an opportunity for students to see first-hand how art can shape places, bring people together and create meaningful change. By working closely with artists from the beginning of the academic year, students have gained a unique insight into professional creative careers while experiencing the value of collaboration, community engagement and creative partnership.
Andrea Sutton, Fine Art & Craft Programme Lead, said: “This project has given our students a fantastic opportunity to work alongside some fantastic local inspiring creative professionals and gain a real insight into the many pathways available within the arts. From hearing about the journeys of Megan, Natasha and Helen to developing their own creative responses, students have been encouraged to think ambitiously about their futures and the positive impact art can have on communities. Watching their confidence grow throughout the project has been incredibly rewarding, and the work they’ve produced is a testament to their talent, creativity and willingness to embrace new ideas.”
By the end of the two days in the studio, students had created far more than artwork. They had built confidence, developed new skills and discovered how their own creativity can help tell the stories of the communities around them.
The project demonstrated that creativity is about much more than paint on a wall. It is about bringing people together, celebrating local identity and inspiring the next generation to see the possibilities that lie ahead.
