Created by young people in Eye Village
Eye Gets Green is a club for young people (12 – 16 years) from Eye or nearby villages, where they can get creative and be green at the same time. Over the last year, young people have made films, explored drawing and tried other creative activities like street art or photography.
Recently, this group of 10-15 young people have created an outdoor exhibition which they have produced and curated with artist Emily Bowers. ‘Smudges & Snapshots’ is an exhibition inspired by nature and the green spaces in Eye, it was made over a month and a half in weekly sessions. It’s a mixture of drawings with charcoal and inks, photographs and cyanotypes, all of them formed by the group. Another important outcome for this group is to present an exhibition, which focuses on young people having a positive impact on outdoor areas too. Shining a light through their work on what these spaces mean to them when they are cared for.
Their pictures and photographs will be installed in the Open Space in Eye village, which is a green area behind Manor Farm Community Centre. There will be a series of boards which display over 40 pieces of artwork. They will be attached to the fence which is around the playground. It opens on June 2nd for a month. It’s all outdoors, which means it can be enjoyed in all weather and at different times. Open Space is used by lots of Eye residents, including other young people, making it accessible for all. The young people hope that those who see their exhibition enjoy it and feel inspired.
When: Opening from: Tuesday 2nd June (for a month).
Visiting hours: Any time.
Where: In the green space around the back of Manor Farm Community Centre, 70 High Street, Eye Village, PE6 7UY.
Cost: Free to all!
No need to book, just turn up.
Accessibility information:
The artwork is attached to the railings at the back of the centre. There is a car park in front of the railings where cars may park so please be careful.
There are a few bus routes you can use and alight at the high street opposite The COOP, then the centre is around 2-3 minutes walk. These are Route 4, 37. Go to https://pbt.busatlas.uk/ for more information on each route or into google.
There is a small car park with 10-20 spaces and drop offs etc.
This is also good for blue badge holders. But this is also used by the community centre so please be aware of parking.
If you want to know more about the project and exhibition then please email Keely Mills: keely.mills@neneparktrust.org.uk
Artist and workshop leader Emily Bowers said:
“I have loved working with this group of young people in Eye. Through drawing and photography, we’ve explored what brings us joy in the creative process, and they’ve shown such willingness and courage to try new things.
“They’ve been involved in every step of planning the exhibition and I can’t wait for them to see their work professionally displayed outdoors. Watching an idea or feeling transform into a public artwork feels quite magical.
“One of the highlights was creating work on location at Manor Farm Park. The young people really connected with the natural environment — and with each other — while experimenting with DSLR photography in a completely different way from using phones. They didn’t want to stop.” More information about the exhibition, including access details, is available at
This exhibition & Eye Gets Green is part of a wider project called ‘Better, Healthier, Greener Futures, which for nearly two years has supported young people aged 11-25 in Peterborough. To develop new skills and create connections with nature and local greenspaces. This ambitious new partnership project is led by Nene Park Trust and involves Peterborough Presents, Froglife and Westraven Cross Keys Homes Community Café and Garden (supported by Cross Keys Homes). The programme is funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and Arts Council England.
Find out more about Eye Gets Green – click here.
We would love to know your feedback and experience of the Exhibition too. Click here to share with us.
