Cabinets & Co
bringing colour to our town!
I approached Ware Town Council with the idea of painting 8 electrical cabinets owned by Virgin Media around Ware. I have picked locations that connect with a community group and each cabinet has a message and theme.
This has been such an amazing community project with so many people involved. It’s estimated that around 9,098 people have helped me bring this to life!!
Cabinet 1
Location: Lido
Theme: Water, fun in the swimming pool, life on the river & being aware of chalk streams and how we can help brown trouts.
Community: Lido cold swimmers. Chauncy School.
Cabinet 2
Location: Scotts Road
Theme: Shells, to celebrate Scotts Grotto.
Community: Herts Regional College Inclusive Learning Department (16 - 19 year olds).
When I was doing the workshop, I saw one of my students I taught at Primary School!!
Cabinet 3
Location: Amwell end
Theme: Swift birds
Community: Christchurch Primary School - whole school involvement.
I asked Jane from Swift Birds to talk to the children about the birds and then I worked with the children on designs
Cabinet 4
Location: Park Road
Theme: Poem
Community: I asked Ware Poets to write a poem that GSK colleagues could create a design for.
Cabinet 5
Location: Hoe Lane
Theme: Nature
Community: I asked Herts Wildlife Trust to speak to the whole school- Pinewood ( special need school) about nature and wildlife in Herts.
I worked with them on designs. I also spent the day at Hertford Rugby Club doing a workshop and collecting design ideas.
Cabinet 7
Location: High Street Ware
Theme: Flowers
Community: I asked Ware in Bloom to talk to the Rainbows about the work they do in Ware. The Rainbows walked around Ware spotting flowers. They came to my studio for a workshop to create designs.
This also went further to the Brownies, The Rangers and Guides.
Cabinet 6
Location: Hoe Lane
Theme: Nature water
Community: Presdales School
Cabinet 8
Location: Charvilles Roundabout
Theme: History of Ware
Community: One of my clients researched Ware and presented to my community of budding artists adults and children who then created designs ideas.
I love my community and making it full of beautiful artwork that they have been involved in is the true meaning of community art. I love that the children are learning about where they live & how to look after what we have and celebrating it through art.
What People Are Saying
“It has been a privilege for Creative Arts Students within the inclusive learning department at Hertford Regional College to be involved in this community project. Working with local artist Donna Reeves, learners explored pen and ink techniques to create shell-inspired designs inspired by Scott’s Grotto. The project gave students valuable experience of contributing to a real-life public art project while developing their creativity, confidence and artistic skills. Seeing their ideas incorporated into the final Scott’s Road cabinet artwork has been incredibly rewarding. Donna has brought the learners’ designs to life beautifully, creating a striking piece that celebrates local heritage. This inspiring collaboration demonstrates the positive impact creativity can have within the community”
— Scott’s Grotto Cabinet
“Donna worked with Chauncy school to create this excellent addition to her art project around Ware town.
— Pinewood Cabinet
“We are so thankful for you choosing Pinewood to help you on this project. So many of our pupils came out of their shell during this workshop and with your help and encouraging words throughout they really shone and created some amazing art pieces.
The pupils were so excited to see the finished product with many of them recognising their designs. It really is something that will stay with them for a very long time”
— Pinewood School“It was great to work alongside local artist Donna and the students at Pinewood School. The student’s wildlife ideas and drawings were amazing, it’s fantastic to see their designs come to life on the cabinet that Donna painted.”
— Pinewood Cabinet