Stafford-based sculptor, Gillie Nicholls, has been commissioned by a humanitarian charity to create an unique award for acts of kindness towards those in need.
Stafford Welcomes Refugees works in collaboration with national charity, City of Sanctuary UK, which holds the vision that the UK will be a welcoming place of safety and sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution from across the globe.
Stafford Welcomes Refugees (SWR) has worked with Staffordshire County Council, Stafford Borough Council and other organisations to settle ten families granted asylum / refugee status by the UK Government. Their aim is to raise awareness and to welcome these families into the community.
Gillie has created a stunning artwork in her signature medium of clay, entitled "Sanctuary". The work is currently awaiting firing and mounting, so that the resultant 'Place of Sanctuary Award', can be presented to a local recipient (to be announced), to honour their key role in the process.
Gillie's emotive piece shows an adult and a child sized hand stretch towards one another; symbolic of the act of caring and assistance.
Gillie explained, "Through working with this sculpture, I have begun to recognise just how much body language is held by the hands. I wish it to convey compassion, humanity and an act of reaching out".
City of Sanctuary
Stafford Welcomes Refugees
Gillie NIcholls