Ways of Connecting. The Coventry Train Station Exhibition Reflections.
Image created by Marianne White, Big Loves Design
The Artist On My Street Exhibition, ‘Connection’ launched at Coventry Railway Station.
Early in 2024, I collaborated with the Life Path Trust community to create artwork celebrating connections. On 23rd April 2024, the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership and Coventry Artspace, funded by Avanti West Coast, unveiled the CONNECTIONS exhibition in the tunnel linking Coventry station to the bus interchange.
The exhibition features 10 unique pieces by Life Path Trust participants and local artist Donna Preece-Jones. It celebrates what connects us and our world. Participants’ families attended the unveiling, volunteers, and Coventry’s Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, who praised the project.
CONNECTIONS is part of Coventry Artspace’s ARTIST ON MY STREET initiative, fostering partnerships between local artists and organisations. I was commissioned to lead four creative sessions, guiding participants to express personal connections through painting and collage.
This collaborative process not only inspired self-expression but also strengthened community bonds. The resulting artwork now enriches Coventry Railway Station, reflecting our vibrant local spirit.
Why I Was Drawn to This Creative Project
I applied because it challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and work collaboratively. It was a chance to build confidence and support people creatively within the learning difficulties community—something I deeply value.
My role prioritised facilitation over artistry, focusing on helping participants express their understanding of "Connection." First, as a facilitator, I guided the group toward meaningful outcomes, then used my artistic skills to unify their work into an inspiring statement.
This project was a valuable learning experience and a privilege, showing how creativity can empower connection for everyone.
Nurturing Connection.
To encourage theme connection and keep the process accessible, I kept the session open but with parameters for the participants to capture what they love and connect with. In each session, we explored the possibilities of painting, drawing, collaging, and photography.
I planned to double down on the ‘connection’ elements through this process by encouraging connection through:
Process – via the facilitated workshops and the themes within them
Method – using a variety of techniques to demonstrate personal narratives
Output – by curating the panels to display the more extensive connections from the group
Narrative – enabling the viewer to connect through a webpage/blog post demonstrating the deeper stories and contributing factors that play a part in the final pieces
Interaction – connecting with the viewer through the interactive PDF activity
Where Connections Could be Communicated.
After reflecting on the sessions, it was clear that connection was felt and witnessed in many forms.
The final artwork was inspired by the entire experience—the conversations, emotions, and interactions—not just the pieces created. I approached the project like an artist-journalist, capturing these moments.
Each piece reflects a participant’s passion, carefully linked to a key theme and visually represented.
I enjoyed reconnecting with my inner child through the hands-on collaging process, using their work to create narrative boards dedicated to each participant.
The Exhibition.
Click on the images for information about who and what contributed and inspired the pieces.
Thought Reflection.
We built rapport by encouraging participants to explore what they loved through painting. Even those initially seen as unengaged flourished in this enriching process.
I noticed vibrant, relatable themes of connection: Communication, Creativity, Food, Nature, Gratitude, Love, Music, Sport, Technology, and Travel. Rather than choosing a favourite piece myself, I believe each viewer’s connection to the artwork truly matters.
The most rewarding part was getting to know the Life Path Trust participants and sharing the creative journey. Many arrived one way and left transformed, their spirits lifted. It was a joyful, fun, and deeply meaningful experience for all involved.
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After the four sessions, we all started to understand how multi-faceted the levels of connection were. For instance (in alphabetical order):
Alex loved the experience; most of the time, he chuckled to himself, listened to conversations, and enjoyed looking at the images of things he loved, such as dogs, football, and chocolate. His smile makes us melt. Whenever I hear “Who Let the Dogs Out, " I think of Alex’s little chuckle!
Dan was the man; he was a formidable presence in the space; when he couldn't make a session, you could feel the lack of Dan in the room. His passion for football was almost as big as his passion for his love for Megan, which just made us all fall in love with them both.
Freya was very capable and creative. She took to tasks like a duck to water; her love for creating was clear. She shared her love for animals, shapes, and colours and was meticulous in her approach.
Megan was so sweet, and I loved chatting with her about her life, her love for Dan and for her favourite song, Bruce Springsteen, dancing in the dark, and her sneaky cuddles. She was the most apprehensive about what she was doing and then embraced the abstract painting, which led to the beautiful background of the Love panel depicting her and Dan.
Remi was a dark horse, unassuming and leading people into thinking he wouldn’t engage. With the support from the session, he produced so much artwork, reeled off facts about space, and shared his love for technology. Remi’s transition was the most significant in the group, and it made me smile hard, thinking about how much he had gotten out of the sessions.
Phillip is obsessed with Trains. He was very vocal and passionate about engineering and experiencing the sounds of freight trains as they passed. He would engage in the sessions and watch the tightly scheduled trains as they whoosh past the window. He was torn between being in the space with us and wanting to be right next to the trains on the platform.
We also had a lovely, cheeky visit from Gurbax and Tony, who contributed to the work: Gurbax through her love for nature and food and Tony through his love for writing.
The DPA supporters on the exhibition opening day. (From left to right, Trevor, Me (Donna), Marianne and Barnie, Rose was there in spirit.
What Amazing Support.
When it came to the sessions themselves, I valued insightful and compassionate support, so I enlisted the support of:
Marianne White of Big Loves Design, as her support is incredibly compassionate and insightful.
Trevor Price of TV Trev Photography, who turned out to be more than a media bystander, as he made some wonderful creative calls and decisions to capture the vibe of the sessions and has done a wonderful job.
Roze Navab, whose vast experience and observations were wonderfully astute.
And a special thank you to:
Lauryn Dunn from CoventryArtspace, who was all over it!
Julia Singleton-Tasker from Heart of England Community Rail Partnership pinned down the project.
Kay and Justyna, the Life Path Trust support workers
Madeline Snowdon from Heart of England Community Rail Partnership, who helped kick the sessions off to a strong start.
Melanie Kemble was incredibly supportive and attentive. They also took some fantastic photos that have been included in the project's documentation.
Barnie Giltrap for the opportunity referral and support
Emma Bull, a fellow artist and train station staff member, was a lovely addition to the Train conversation when she popped in on her breaks from working there.
The sessions were hosted in the wonderfully equipped Coventry Train Station Community Hub, where we were very comfortable and had the right vibe to create the artwork that resulted in the exhibition.
My Final Reflections.
All of the partners and collaborators have been so supportive, and the project has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Thank you so much for choosing me to support everyone this way and produce some compelling, exciting and fun work.
CONNECTIONS is on display at Coventry Train Station, now.
Members of the public can try their hand at the Brain Cleanser Mini Abstract activity I guided the group to do here: www.thedpa.uk/dpa-for-you
Do you have any thoughts on this topic? Feel free to comment, connect, book a call or email me.
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I hope you’re enjoying the rollercoaster of life.
Donna ♡
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