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Local artist creating community art installation for Keele Peace Garden
The Peace Garden will also include a sculptural art installation by local mosaic artist Philip Hardaker , which will be positioned within a central seating area , with a plaque commemorating the anniversary and the alumni donations that have made the garden possible .
As part of a series of events held throughout summer and autumn 2024 , Phil Hardaker has been on campus hosting tile-making workshops to produce tiles which he will incorporate into the art installation . These dropin style activities have been free to participants and open to all , thanks to a kind donation from alumnus Professor Phil Davies ( American Studies & Sociology and Social Anthropology , Class of 1971 ), who is a keen supporter of the Keele University Arboretum and National Collection of Flowering Cherry Trees .
In an effort to engage staff , students , and members of the public in creating their own printed clay tiles with peaceful words and imagery , Phil , supported by ArtsKeele , has held tilemaking workshops in various locations on campus . People were guided in creating their very own paper-based design , and then helped to transfer this on to clay slabs .
A selection of these tiles will go on to be included in a beautiful artwork in the new garden .
Previously , Phil has created several stunning pieces of art around campus , in other locations nearby , and across the country . He has a career spanning 50 years through which he has explored and commented upon themes including peace , war , climate change , love , home , sexuality and race .
Phil also held an exhibition in the Keele Art Gallery from October to December 2024 . More information about this can be found on our web pages :
keele . ac . uk / about / events / 2024 / october / philhardakerexhibition / inourtime . php