Sharon Rawlinson

A Bit About Me

I have built a career as a practising visual artist & creative practitioner, delivering community arts projects for regional & national organisations such as The Grand Theatre of Lemmings, Jaywick Martello Tower, Essex County Council, Essex University & NPO Emergency Exit Arts. I also work with schools, community groups & festivals.

In 2021 I founded ArtJamManningtree, which currently hosts a life drawing portraiture group. It has 50+ members & meets fortnightly in a positive & relaxed environment, enhancing people’s enjoyment & art skills. ‘It’s yoga for the mind’ - participant.

In 2022 I was the recipient of an Essex Arts & Culture Award to develop The ArtBox - a self-converted mobile studio (originally a horsebox) that delivers art workshops in a fun & creative setting. I’m regularly commissioned by events to create bespoke large scale murals utilising the outside of The Artbox for audiences to colour in, creating a community inspired, participatory but non- pressured situation for people to play with colour & drawing. The murals are gifted to the community & displayed in libraries, parish halls & community spaces.

All of my community work has the overarching aim to connect people & create a pride of place to play, experiment & have fun with art whilst learning or finessing skills.