Renowned artists help children express themselves (From Croydon Guardian)

Renowned street artists Rich Simmons and Parlee help children express themselves

5:40am Sunday 16th September 2012 in Local news By Andrew Bloss

Two internationally renowned street artists have helped members of youth club transform an ugly brick wall into a work of art.

Rich Simmons and Parlee, both respected street artists, worked with more than 12 young people from New Addington’s Goldcrest Youth Club for three days to teach them the basics of design.

They used their new skills to completely revitalise an old brick wall.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "Projects like this are a fantastic way of giving young people new skills and a sense of responsibility. And even better, the result of their work significantly improves the local environment.

"This sort of street art has become a legitimate art form over recent years - and it is a million miles removed from those ugly graffiti tags that are no more than mindless vandalism."