SIXTEEN female street artists from across Scotland recently participated in a women-only paint jam at Westway, one of Scotland’s largest industrial estates.
Organised by Mortar Projects, the event brought together artists of varying experience levels – from emerging creatives to seasoned pros – from local communities including Renfrew and Paisley to East Kilbride and Glasgow, as well as from as far afield as Aberdeen and Elgin.
The aim was to create an inclusive platform where women could come together in a safe and supportive environment to paint, collaborate, and build connections and friendships.
“This space at Westway has allowed us to create something really special,” said organiser Cheryl Galbraith of Mortar Projects. “It’s not just about painting, it’s about community, support and giving women the confidence to express themselves publicly, without fear of being judged or hassled.”
The paint jam transformed a section of the industrial park into a vibrant canvas, showcasing a range of styles and ideas.
Joanne Curtis Brown from Glasgow is a professional scenic artist. “This kind of space is rare,” she explained. “I usually work on big commissions, including film sets and theatre backdrops, but there’s something refreshing about painting outdoors, on your own terms. It’s also amazing to connect with other creatives without the pressure of performance or deadlines.”
Kim McQuiston from East Kilbride is a former teacher who now runs a tattoo business in Shawlands. She added, “Coming from a teaching background into something more creative was a leap. It is fantastic being around other women artists, bouncing ideas and sharing tips. I’m heading back to the studio with fresh ideas for both tattoos and walls!”
Nikki McGuigan from Tollcross in Glasgow is a professional artist and recently won the commission for East Renfrewshire Covid Memorial Project. “Winning the memorial commission was huge, but being part of this jam gave me space to reconnect with the community and celebrate the resilience of women,” she said. “It reminded me why I do what I do.”
The event offered a chance to showcase talent and foster mentorship and networking among the artists. “A lot of the girls are still learning,” Cheryl Galbraith explained. “And for some, this is a career path, while for others it’s a passion project or hobby. The mix of skill levels actually makes the experience richer.”
Phil Tomlin from Mortar Projects added, “This has been such an important step for us, not just creatively, but in terms of building a visible, empowered community of women street artists in Scotland. We’re so proud to have created a space where everyone, no matter their background or experience, feels welcome and valued.”
Westway has been a crucial partner in making this happen. “We’re absolutely delighted to support this paint jam,” said Jim Nicol, estate manager for Westway. “Providing a safe, inclusive environment for these incredible women to create, connect and inspire one another has been a real privilege. The energy and artwork they’ve brought to this space is just amazing.”
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