A RENOWNED artist has been crowned the winner of an art initiative to help brighten up Newquay.
Diane Griffiths Island After Dark painting of a night scene inspired by Newquay’s coastline at the EE shop in Bank Street won the £1,000 first prize in Newquay BID’s Door Art competition.
A public vote was held to choose the winner after 20 artists created artworks on doorways from Headland Road to Cliff Road.
The Door Art designs connect with the larger murals already created as part of the MUQY Newquay Street Art Walking Tour to encourage visitors to explore more of the town centre while adding “colour, creativity and vibrancy.”
Diane is no stranger to winning awards after her paintings of Playland Amusements in East Street titled Insert Coin to Begin and of the Texaco filling station at the Gannel titled Driving Home won national People’s Choice awards.
Her Train of Lights artwork was recently used as the cover sleeve artwork for ‘space rocker’ band Hawkwind’s upcoming album Psychedelic Selection.
Diane said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won the Newquay Doorway Mural Trail with The Island After Dark.
“It was such a unique experience creating a piece directly on the high street and watching people stop to follow the painting as it gradually developed over several days.
“The mural was inspired by Newquay’s coastline and the atmosphere of the town after dark, which is a theme that runs throughout my work. It’s been really lovely to see so many people connect with the piece, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who voted and supported the project.
“I also want to thank Newquay BID and the team at EE for making it possible.
“It’s fantastic to see public art bringing so much creativity and energy into the town centre.”
Saskia Taskis’s painting Sunset at the Headland at the Headland Hotel featuring Cornish choughs flying above the iconic Headland Hotel against a vibrant sunset sky was placed second in the Door Art competition.
Saskia Taskis with her painting Sunset at the Headland (Saskia Taskis with her painting Sunset at the Headland)
Gemma Carson’s Newquay Harbour mural on Fore Street was placed third.
Gemma Carson alongside her Newquay Harbour mural in Fore Street
Mark Warren, the manager of Newquay BID, said: “A huge congratulations to all of the artists involved and a massive thank you to everyone who voted and supported the trail.
“The creativity and talent on display has been incredible, and we’re proud to celebrate public art in Newquay. “With QR codes now installed across all of the artworks, both locals and visitors can follow the trail, discover the artists behind the pieces, and connect through to the Love Newquay website, linking the smaller works with the larger mural installations across town.
“The project has already created a real buzz across social media and online conversations, and we’ve had many more businesses approach us about future artwork. We’re now looking at making the mural trail an annual event.
“We know we’re not the first place to embrace murals, but we’re proud to be creating something different for Newquay, celebrating creativity, culture, and community while working with talented local artists to make a real difference to the town.”
