A former University of Cumbria student turned artist has transformed a classroom with a bright mural.
Ten years after graduating, artist Yvette Earl returned to makeover one the walls of a building within the university’s outdoor classroom facility on its Fusehill Street campus.
Yvette used her digital skills, introduced to her whilst studying for her BA (Hons) Illustration degree at the university’s Brampton Road campus, to create the initial design for her nature themed mural.
She then brought her vibrant creation to life using Loop spray paint cans and Posca pens before hand-painting detailed animals’ features.
The design features a pond, landscaped features, animals and bright screening.
The outdoor classroom facility is used by student teachers who can experience working outside and understand how children learn by doing activities in green spaces.
University alumnus Yvette was a student at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle between 2010 and 2013.
Like many people in the city, she was born in the former City General Hospital which is now the home of the university’s Fusehill Street campus. Her mum previously had worked at the hospital too.
Yvette said: “This is a very special project for me because I used to go to Norman Street School too, that’s just around the corner. This is the largest building mural I’ve done.
“It is wonderful that this area will help the students who are here to train to become teachers and that it is also something that our schools and community can enjoy too.”
Lisa MacGregor, senior lecturer in Early Years and Primary Education, University of Cumbria, said: “When our trainee teachers are on placements in schools they can bring pupils to the outdoor classroom.
“The mural is a fantastic addition as it will spark conversations, the children can talk about which animals and birds may visit it.”
Dr Ruth Harrison-Palmer, director of the university’s Institute of Education, Arts and Society, said: “Being of and for Cumbria, our university mission is to help equip our graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, enabling our communities to thrive.
“Members of our alumni are an important part of our university community who, like Yvette, give back and help others who are following in their footsteps.”
