WITH an exhibition on display at Bovey Paradiso’s gallery, Steve McCracken worked with the young people of Bovey to bring some of his iconic street art to the walls of the Bovey Tracey Youth Café.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Paradiso with the help of Gallery Manager Jon Arnold. Twelve young people came together to discover the unique world of McCracken’s artistry.

Often seen in the streets of Exeter and Teignmouth as well as London, a technique Steve taught the youngsters was using mixed media to create something similar to a transfer, that could be plastered on the walls of the café.

Angie Blanche, one of the organisers of the Youth Café explained: ‘Steve’s philosophy is that if you’re walking down the street and see Sid the Seagull or one of his owls and it makes you smile or brightens your day a little bit, then it’s all worth it. And that’s what we wanted to do for the café, to brighten it up a little. Plus, it helps to give young people a passion for art, we live in a very arty town and there’s a lot of talent in the café.’

However, the workshop is certainly not the end of the Youth Café’s work with Steve. Angie hopes to start a regular workshop using the techniques learned, while there are plans in the works for a new project at the community fridge.

Angie added: ‘Big thanks to Steve McCracken and Jon Arnold, as well as those who generously donated all the resources we needed.’