It is August and Bristol has some new vibrant public art installations for summer. Once a pond a time is the work of a local artist Alex Lucas. Her whimsical pond creatures have taken over Quaker Friars in the heart of Bristol shopping quarter.

Bristol has a thriving street art community with festivals such as Upfest. I enjoy discovering more about our local artists and spotting their work as I explore Bristol.

Local artists and their masterpieces

Once a Pond a Time

Alex Lucas trained an art therapist, and these pieces definitely convey a sense of joy. Her work has been described as like stepping into a surreal fairy tale. The pieces include large murals, giant games and lily pad picnic areas. The Crocodile is a nod to the Bristol crocodile that many people claim to have seen swimming in the harbour a few years ago. When I was in Quaker Friars earlier this week lots of families were posing for photos.

This version of snakes and ladders was also popular.

This is a snail “shell ter” which doubles as a climbing frame.

I liked the lily pad picnic table. Quaker Friars has become a place where people of all ages can relax and play.

Other street art by Alex Lucas

I thought her work looked familiar and found out she was also responsible for the sea creature murals in Park Row that I photographed last year.

She was also one of the artists behind the six sisters project in Bedminster. A row of ordinary terraced shops were transformed into an outdoor art gallery by six women. The six sisters project was inspired by San Francisco’s famous painted ladies.

Alex Lucas also uses the trade name Alex antics.

I will be adding this post to Natalie’s weekend coffee share.