There’s plenty to celebrate at The Alice Cross Centre after the Teignmouth Riot Women won the TRAIL20 Community Award for their sculptures of eight iconic British women!
Using recycled and repurposed materials, with ironing boards forming the bodies, the group created tributes to Amy Winehouse, Zandra Rhodes, Emmeline Pankhurst, Mary Anning, Vivienne Westwood, Florence Nightingale, Jo Bateman and our own Alice Cross of Teignmouth. Together, the figures celebrate creativity, courage and individuality, while showing what can be achieved with materials that might otherwise be thrown away.
The sculptures have sparked wonderful conversations and been shared many times on social media. It has been lovely to see people enjoying the characters, discussing the women behind them and sharing photographs with others.
The group were thrilled to receive the award, chosen by the Teignmouth Traders, which included £100 in prize money. It is a well-deserved recognition of the imagination, teamwork and care that went into the project.
We also want to celebrate the wonderful contribution from Teignbridge Friendship Group at The Alice Cross Centre. Their sculpture, “Echoes of Colour”, was inspired by artist Kandinsky’s joyful use of colour. Made from recycled CDs and foam offcuts, it explores the connections between people and communities, with shifting light bringing the materials to life. The project was facilitated by TRAIL artist Sam Lock.
Both projects are a lovely reminder of how making art together can build friendships, encourage conversation and give discarded materials a new purpose. We’re proud of everyone involved!
Thank you to Sam Lock, the TRAIL organisers, the Teignmouth Traders and everyone who has admired, photographed and shared the sculptures.
Meanwhile, the Riot Women are already looking forward to their next challenge: creating a scarecrow for the upcoming Teignmouth Scarecrow Day. Of course, the iconic women theme will continue and we can’t wait to see who makes an appearance next!
The Riot Women meet on the first Sunday of every month at The Alice Cross Centre, from 6pm – 8pm. Its free and we always welcome new members.