AN ART wall at Melksham Oak School was unveiled to the community last week after it was entirely funded by local businesses and goodwill of residents.

Inspired by the concept of bringing art from the classroom into the community, art teacher Sam Butter, 35 first came up with the idea last year and immediately started working on how to construct the six foot high and 12 foot wide curved painting campus.

After putting the plans on social media and consulting with headteacher Steve Clark, Mrs Butter was given the green light to move forward with the wall – and had a former pupil in mind to help.

“I’ve taught Sophie Haynes from Year 7 and she was such a shy girl but a wondering student to teach. It was just beautiful to see Sophie blossom through doing the paining and working with Richard and it has definitely boosted her confidence not only in her artwork but also in herself.

For the first art installation, Richard Salter, finalist in the BBC’s Big Painting Challenge 2015, worked alongside Sophie, 17 to create a mural in response to ‘making mighty things happen’.

The trio were inspired by the work of Banksy to create a man walking on the moon figure which only took six hours to complete.

Mrs Butter added: “No one expected it to be so brilliant and we were all really nervous of what could have turned out like as it was her first official painting but we were so pleased and so is the school.

“I am very proud of the project and we are now looking to secure more artists to do similar work with other students.”

Assisted by SSE, B&S Construction and other local groups, the wall was presented to the community last week at an opening ceremony.

Mrs Butter is now hoping to incorporate the work of primary schools in Melksham.

Artists wishing to get involved in the project can email Sam Butter

ButterS@melkshamoak.wilts.sch.uk.