Five community mosaics unveiled in Lye celebrating local pride and creativity

A special handover event marked the completion of the mosaics, which will be permanently displayed at Rufford Primary School, Wollescote Primary School and Lye Library, celebrating the creativity, talent and community spirit of local people.

The project was delivered through the Life in Lye programme and funded by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.

Workshops were led by internationally renowned mosaic artist Caroline Jariwala of Mango Mosaics, who worked with participants to develop their designs, teach mosaic-making techniques and bring their ideas to life.

Around 140 Key Stage 2 pupils from Rufford Primary School in Stourbridge and Wollescote Primary School took part in dedicated school workshops. Separate free community mosaic sessions were also held at Lye Library, where local residents had the opportunity to participate.

Participants were asked to reflect on what makes them feel safe in their community and to celebrate their local area through a nature-inspired theme. Their artwork featured a rich variety of images, including birds, flowers, butterflies, ladybirds, frogs and a striking Tree of Life. These individual contributions were then combined to create five unique mosaics that reflect a shared vision for the area.

Two mosaics will be displayed at Rufford Primary School, two at Wollescote Primary School, and the community-created mosaic will be installed at Lye Library.

The mosaic project forms part of the broader Life in Lye programme, which is co-ordinated by Dudley Council, working alongside partners and the community. It is designed to celebrate local talent, strengthen community spirit and support residents to improve outcomes for people living in Lye. Recent activities have included art projects, community litter picks and work to bring investment into the area.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said:
"These mosaics are a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with creativity, pride and a shared purpose. They not only brighten our schools and library but also tell the story of Lye through the eyes of the people who live here. Every design reflects a shared appreciation for nature, community and belonging, and I am incredibly proud of everyone who contributed. My thanks go to the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner for funding the project, Caroline Jariwala for her expertise and enthusiasm, and all the pupils, residents and staff who helped create these lasting pieces of community art."

Stephanie Rhoden, GLL Partnership Manager for Lye Library, said:

"We were delighted to play our part in this historic project and to have the community-created mosaic displayed at Lye Library. It was a real joy to see how enthusiastic local residents were when they took part in Caroline Jariwala’s workshops. Together they created a meaningful artwork that will doubtless be admired for many years to come.”

Pippa Laight, PA to the Headteacher at Rufford Primary School, said: “The children were excited about the project from the very beginning and loved every stage of the process, from creating their initial designs to seeing them transformed into beautiful, permanent works of art. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to develop new skills, work collaboratively and express their creativity while exploring what makes them feel safe, happy and proud within their local community.

The project encouraged meaningful discussions about belonging and community spirit, helping the children to reflect on the positive aspects of where they live and the role they can play in shaping its future. Seeing their ideas brought to life in such a vibrant and lasting way has given them a real sense of achievement and ownership.

We are absolutely delighted to have these stunning mosaics displayed in our school. They will serve as a lasting reminder of the children's hard work, imagination and contribution to the Life in Lye project, while continuing to inspire future pupils for many years to come. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this opportunity possible and for helping our children celebrate their creativity and community pride.”

The Life in Lye programme celebrates the pride, passion, skills, businesses, community groups, faith groups and people that make Lye unique, while creating opportunities for residents to connect, share ideas and take positive action for their community.