Painting Comes First with
Mikey
Jones
Art
Mikey Jones lives nowadays in nearby Coedpoeth, having grown up there. He settled in Wrexham some 15 years ago after studying architecture at University in Bristol. Since then, he has become a well-established figure in the Wrexham art scene and we welcomed Mikey to our offices with some of his latest art.
Helping Shape Wrexham’s Art Scene
Today, Wrexham is home to many striking pieces of public and street art, but Mikey recalls that the local art scene was almost non-existent just a decade ago. He began his journey as a Wrexham artist exhibiting early on at Undegun, a fledgling Regent Street art project that encouraged young people to get involved in the arts and,
as Mikey remembers, had “an almost Berlin feel”.
Back then Mikey was producing paintings of local scenes but he feels the market was not ready for his style and content at the time, and sales did not materialise as hoped. Tastes have since changed, and with the arrival of a new found confidence in Wrexham that has grown rapidly since the Wrexham AFC takeover, there is now strong
demand for the kind of community-focused Wrexham artwork that Mikey creates.
Community
Focused
Art
Mikey’s work often explores important local issues and reflects the character of Wrexham and its
surrounding communities. He also visits local schools, where he shares positive messages about
life as an artist and encourages young people to be creative and helps emerging talent to develop their skills.
Finding
New
Angles
Mikey says he spends much of his time searching for a new angle. Rather than focusing only on well-known landmarks, he looks for overlooked places that locals know and value, but visitors may miss. Examples include Bersham Waterfall in nearby Plas Power Woods and his latest piece set in Hope Street, looking down Bank Street, which he brought into the Foundry.
Fundraising &
Community Support
Mikey also dedicates much of his time to charities as he works full time in fundraising as the North Wales regional fundraiser for Shelter Cymru. He is also a fundraiser for charities he is passionate about - such as Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue and Nightingale House. He is particularly concerned about homelessness in Wrexham which he describes as a serious and growing issue. “There’s a lack of understanding,”
he says, “but help is available for people who need it.”
“I want to be a community-based artist whose work benefits people in Wrexham and beyond,”
Mikey says. “Being a conventional artist isn’t important to me. I just want to get on with the work and celebrate our area. I love the process, and I love that moment when you’re in a painting.”
Mikey will continue to raise awareness of homelessness in Wrexham, including through his support for the Summer Fair at Eagles Meadow in aid of Shelter Cymru. The free event takes place all day on 15 August as part of the WrexFest weekend festival later this summer.
Where to Find
Mikey’s
Work
Mikey’s art is available to order directly from his website. You can also follow Mikey on social media for updates on his latest work and projects.
