Testimonials

Workshops in a high security forensic clinic NHS for young people with mental health problems. (Roycroft Clinic, Newcastle)

"I am more than happy with the work you have done so far. The kids have really enjoyed the project and are already asking if they can paint more parts of the outside space. I think that may be a project for next financial year."

D.Henderson, Forensic Service Manager NHS (August 2009)

TShirt and Canvas Workshops at youth centre in Beeston, Leeds

"Some of the young people (13-18yrs) who attend the sessions find it hard to complete tasks as they have a short attention span, and find it hard to concentrate over long periods of time, but they attended both sessions and completed everything. They had a great sense of achievement once they saw there finished products and are looking forward to participating in future sessions. They loved it".

Seriah Powell, Youth Service Leeds Council (September 2009)

'Your Shout, Your Say' consultation events in Bradford to find out what young people think of their area and how it could be improved

"Young people thoroughly enjoyed the graffiti art workshops, and you worked so well to encourage them express their ideas of the area and changes they wanted to see. They gained a real sense of achievement.

We really appreciate your enthusiasm, energy and professionalism. The events were a great success in terms of the numbers attending, the ideas that were generated and the enjoyment experienced. Thank you for helping us achieve our planned outcomes".

Heather Esiri, Senior Manager of Bradford Council Youth Service (July 2009)

Improving community relations project between two groups of young men in conflict, using graffiti art as a tool for introducig and engaging people in discussion while on outreach.

"Nick's participation in The Girlington Project was invaluable for a number of reasons. Firstly by providing an activity (graffiti art on vinyl records) that engaged the young people in the vital conversations around the issues (causing conflict between British Asian and Eastern European young men).

Secondly by helping the team build trust with the young people by giving them something they had produced to take home. By using high level conversational and engaging skills as well as excellent artistic ideas Nick was  an invaluable member of the team and the project itself would not have succeeded without him."

Lorraine Knott, Community Accord, Project Development Manager (Sept - Dec 2009)

Workshops for NHS Mental Health Service young people

 "We contracted Nick to work with 23 young people between the ages of 11 and 16 who were accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Leeds. The aim of the project was to collate service user views and experiences via the medium of art.

Nick maintained professional standards, demonstrated commitment to the project and took lead of a team of three artists. Nick demonstrated excellent communication skills through his ability to engage with individuals with a wide variety of emotional and behavioural challenges; modifying his approach to meet individual needs.

I would happily, and have since recommended Nick for future projects. Not only were the workshops percieved by all to be enjoyable but they also achieved their aim."

Clare Wyke, NHS Patient and Public Involvement Facilitator. (May 2009)

Graffiti mural at Springfield Pupil Referral Unit, Wakefield

"I would like to thank you for the completed mural, which now adorns one of our walls. I would also like to thank you for the way that you interacted with my students - not the easiest bunch of youngsters to relate to and engage in positive activities! I was very impressed with the end product of your afternoon here".

Tony Peckham, Head of Centre (June 2009)

Art workshops at the Leeds Central Library to make the youth space more youth friendly

"They didn't stop talking about it till 8.00! Marc said he hadn't done any art since primary school and was really happy with his board. Sophie took her board around the whole Library showing it to everybody and Martin who did the DJ board said that he never thought he'd be able to help produce anything like that and that he wanted to do more and practice his own drawing skills. They have all asked to do more and said thanks more times than I can remember!"

Dawn Stanley-Donaghy, Leeds Central Library (July 2009)

Workshops at Bingley Youth Centre with the aim of raising awareness drugs; the effects, risks and consequences. The artwork was displayed at an NHS Lifecheck launch in Bradford.

“It was really good to see people getting involved that had no confidence – so many of them are used to failing that they often don’t want to try new things. But they were convinced to have a go and it was a real confidence booster for them…and it must have been good because they all wanted to do it all again!”

Diane Gillard, Bradford Youth Service, Bingley (Feb2009)

Graffiti project in which participants gained acreditation (Bronze Arts Award), based at Youth Point Cardigan Road, Leeds

"Nick started the session getting the participants to write words using their natural hand writing style and from this starting point using different design techniques like shading, 3D and block lettering to develop the words until they were happy with a piece they could transfer to board.

Nick also evidenced great youth work skills in addressing behaviour in the group, bringing himself to participant's eye level and instilling confidence in their work.

Once the participants were happy with their progress Nick led the session on a trip round the local community to look at art work discuss styles, colours and techniques that the participants could then reflect and develop their work further. It was a really positive session that led to positive debates, such as the difference between art and vandalism."

Leon Corbett (Youth Worker at Youth Point. May - July 2008)

Art workshops at Sutherland Secondary School on themes of environmental awareness in partnership with Bridges

"With the help of Nick, the young people produced an amazing, large scale display with a strong environmental message. There are plans to display the work in school, in the local community and for it to tour Shropshire!"

Local press release by Bridges Shropshire's Development Education Centre (June 2009)

Commission mural designed and painted for Re:Cycle Engineering bike shop, 2 Norwood Rd, Leeds. Aug 2008

Written by the proprietor, Mr Sudesh Parmar.

"To say that I'm very pleased with the final result is an understatement. I feel that your work has brighten up the shop and given a well-deserved boost of colour. A welcome boost to turnover has already been witnessed.

Customers appear to be more inclined to walk through the doors and confident to spend more time browsing. I was also impressed with the process in which you took the time to discuss my expectations and ideas as the design evolved. Thanks again - an investment already paid for in sales!"

Little London resident talking about a graffiti art mural painted with young people on Friday nights at Carlton Towers

“Instead of us all fighting each other it’s about time someone brought people together to make it a better place to live… It’s the best thing I’ve seen in the time I’ve lived here…and I must have lived here at least 60 years! its right nice and colourful”

Clifford, aged 91years (March 2009)

Graffiti art workshops for Learning Partnerships and the Youth Action Team to be displayed at the project launch. Sep 2008

"Nick worked with the young people to plan the artwork and ensure their ideas were at the forefront of the design and assisted them in their colour and style choices. On the day Nick supported 5 volunteers and ensured that everyone had a fun and interesting day.

He worked with those who were a bit nervous and convinced them to give it a go; everyone took part and learnt about different techniques to produce different effects. The end result was 2 amazing eye catching artworks that were prominently displayed at the launch event, giving it a much desired youth focus. We are able to use these again at various events as publicity materials.

Nick was inspiring and insightful in aiding the Youth Action Team to create this display. The Youth Action Team is keen to work with him again on future projects. Our team would definitely recommend Nick for both his intuitive skill in working with young people to create interesting and bold artworks and for his ability and knowledge of graffiti styles and techniques."
 
Liz Sharkey (Learning Partnerships: Youth Projects Contract Manager)
 
Commission artwork for The Shrewsbury Dubclub
 
"Since dubclub was established in 2003, we have commissioned Olas Art to design and produce artwork to fit with our needs. He has excelled our expectations everytime, producing brilliant artwork that we have used to transform our plain venue into a bright, exciting and welcoming space.
 
Olas Arts work has also been very valuable in promoting the dubclub online, so for all of these reasons I highly recommend him for any art/design related work."
 
 Mr. Harris, Managing Director of The Shrewsbury Dubclub

Working on graffiti workshops at Youth Point run by the ace graffiti artist, Sune TPN. (see links in clients page) Aug 2008

"Nick came down and joined in as part of the group and worked from there. He assessed the situation and then designed his position to fit. But most importantly he listened to the youths and saw it as a learning process. Try and work with young people in areas like Woodhouse and Little London where there is less for young people to do".

Feedback from art workshops at festivals

"Well done to Nick and everyone who helped him set up the graffiti area at Unity Day 2008. It was excellent to see local talent being used constructively." The Hyde Park Unity Day Commitee, 08/08

"Thanks for putting together the painting workshops, and dropping us an email with your pictures of them. Hope to see you their again next year". Peace in the Park organisers, Sheffield 06/08.

"Well done you guys, its little things like this that make it special, thank you so much" Cath and Alan Denton, Solfest 08/08

"Great idea! For kids and big kids, love it". Parent Syl Walker, Solfest 08/08

"I liked it because I liked doing different colours and I had never done it before". Participant Billy, aged 9, Solfest 08/08

"I have enjoyed the day and the experience and am proud of what we created together" Participant Jess, workshop for the Youth Action Team 09/08