DEVON-based street and urban artist NME has donated his time and creative talent to produce two unique pieces of art for independent charity, The Amber Foundation.

After visiting one of Amber’s residential training centres in Devon, Ashley Court at Chawleigh, and meeting and speaking to residents he decided he wanted to do something to help.

Based on feedback from residents he created, "Create Your Own Tomorrow" and "The Future Starts Here".

Both of these pieces represent key moments in a young person’s journey at Amber as they begin to take back control of their life and start working towards gaining the skills, self-confidence and experience that they need to create the life and future they want.

The Amber Foundation has more than 22 years of experience supporting homeless and unemployed young people in crisis to positively turn their lives around. The Foundation provides a mix of support, structure, new experiences and training that develop residents’ aspirations, self-belief, motivation and skill set enabling them to move on to education, employment and independent, sustainable accommodation.

As one Amber resident said: "Amber gives you the one thing in life that everybody needs – regardless of background – hope. Hope and opportunity." 

The completed works were created in NME’s studio in Teignmouth and will be presented to the residents of Ashley Court later this month.

NME visited the centre on Monday, August 21 to undertake an interactive workshop with the residents to produce a large piece of inspirational art for the main dining room wall.

NME said: “I’m delighted to be able to lend support to such a great and progressive charity and I hope that both paintings will inspire Amber residents to dream big, take back control and turn their lives around. The sky is the limit!”

Both original artworks are being donated to Amber and there will be a small, signed, limited edition print run of "Create Your Own Tomorrow" which will be released by The Amber Foundation. All proceeds will go towards supporting the work of the charity.

Kim Whittle, Centre Manager of Amber’s Ashley Court said: “We are so lucky and delighted to be able to work with such an inspirational young artist. He got on so well with the residents when he visited, listened to what they had to say and then created these two fantastic pieces.

"We are really looking forward to welcoming him back to Ashley Court, he is an excellent role model and it is so good of him to give up his time to create these paintings and to teach residents. The kind donation of the limited edition prints will really support us to raise funds, support and our profile.”

Paint for the wall was donated by the Boniface Rotary Club of Crediton.

To find out more about Amber please go to: www.amberweb.org or  https://www.facebook.com/AmberFoundation/ .

Alan Quick