Page 27 - Demo

Twenty-seven artists responded to an open call for Expressions of Interest in the commission in May 2025. The breadth and calibre of applications for the commission was outstanding but the quality of Charlotte Howarth%u2019s work, her approach to community engagement and experience of managing public art projects particularly impressed the interview panel. Cllr. Vic Kitchingham, from Sherington Parish Council stated: %u201cWe are very excited at the prospect of working with Charlotte and to creating an artwork that captures something of the essence of Sherington and what makes the village so special to all who live here.%u201dCharlotte Howarth is one of the foremost letter-cutters currently working in the UK and has over 35 years of experience of creating exquisite artworks and memorials for public and private spaces. Charlotte has been commissioned to produce public works of national importance. She was part of the team who created the COVID Memorial in St Paul%u2019s Cathedral and, in conjunction with the Cathedral Studios in Canterbury, the Donor Windows in the Queen%u2019s Gallery at Westminster Abbey. She also has experience of more personal private commissions that celebrate and record the life of a loved one.The artist has an extensive track record in working closely with communities in creating sympathetic and meaningful artworks. %u201cI greatly enjoy the opportunities presented by such projects,%u201d she says, %u201cand fnd that getting to know communities, building trust, working alongside people in a positive and creative manner can be rewarding and enlightening for all involved.%u201d Of her approach to a brief, Charlotte Howarth says: %u201cAs an artist I am fascinated by concepts of identity and community and how these ideas are expressed in the public realm in terms of defning place, passing on stories and marking territory. I would defne myself as a narrator and aim to highlight aspects of our existence in permanent works of art that will outlive us and leave a lasting record of our lives and times.%u201dCabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran said: %u201cThis project is a wonderful example of how art can bring people together to celebrate local heritage. By working handin-hand with residents, Charlotte Howarth will create something that truly refects Sherington%u2019s unique character and will stand as a lasting testament to its community spirit.%u201dSherington residents are invited to meet Charlotte Howarth on Wednesday 8th October from 6-7.30pm in Sherington Village Hall. To book a place, please go to https://www.miltonkeynesartscentre.org/eventsDEADLINE FOR OCTOBER:18TH SEPTEMBER