Lucy Burns - The Penistone Sharing Shelf

The Penistone Sharing Shelf at Penistone Leisure Centre is a community bookcase mural created by Lucy Burns of LJayBee Illustrations, as part of the ENGAGE/CREATE commission with Beam. The Sharing Shelf celebrates Penistone's stories, history and creativity. If you would like to get involved or have books, zines or artwork to donate please contact @ljaybeeillustrations

"The Sharing Shelf mural is bright and engaging and suits the space well. The workshops were successful and the participants enjoyed the sessions and were proud of the work we made together. Through this project I have connected with local artists, community groups, and organisations like Beam and Penistone Arts Week. I've also learned more about local facilities like the Digital Media Centre.

I’ve developed skills in running workshops, working with different groups, and managing a community project. I’ve also improved my printmaking and communication skills along the way.

This commission has given me more confidence in running community projects and working with different groups. It’s also helped me see how my art can connect people and tell local stories. A big thank you—it’s made me realise that my art practice could actually be a viable career path."

- Lucy Burns

A person wearing a striped beanie and green hoodie looks at a colorful mural of a countryside scene with flowers, fields, and an arched stone bridge, with books and framed pictures displayed on a shelf above.
A collage of photos and colorful illustrations showing a community art workshop in Penistone. People sit at tables making art, books and craft supplies are displayed, and hand-drawn signs and lively decorations are visible.
A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a light blue button-up shirt, stands indoors in front of orange railings and green plants, smiling slightly at the camera.

About Lucy Burns

Lucy creates vibrant illustrations and murals that tell the story of a place and its people, capturing their unique character through bold colours and botanical designs.

She said: “I am thrilled to be part of this opportunity to create artwork inspired by one of the principal towns of Barnsley. This project will allow me to develop my skills further, working collaboratively with new people and deepening my connection to the community. Being commissioned for this opportunity is a wonderful chance to bring Barnsley's spirit to life through art and connect with its history and people in a meaningful way.”

Lucy was mentored by sculptor Dan Jones.

Find out more about Lucy’s work on her Instagram page