City of York Council is inviting residents to paint their personal stories of the city on a massive artwork as part of this summer’s Big City Read celebrations and York Stories 2012 project.

The aim to create a frieze called the Bayers Tapestry which, using acrylic paint on external plywood, will weave together the tales of York residents. To be displayed around the city, it will be a 21st century nod to the eleventh century Bayeux Tapestry which continues to recount the stories surrounding the Norman Conquest.

The frieze is playing a key role in activities and events surrounding this year’s medieval-themed Big City Read and also York Stories 2012 which is encouraging people to tell their own unique experiences in verse, using photography, song or even podcast. The Bayers Tapestry will be added to the stories being collected and showcased on the York Stories 2012 website at www.yorkstories2012.com.

Residents are invited to drop-in painting sessions at Explore York Library Learning Centre on Monday 23 July and Tuesday 24 July, from 10am-3pm. All materials will be provided and workshops are free. The more people turn up and paint, the larger the frieze will be! It will also be added to by contributions from independent art groups from York and the surrounding area.

Local artist and adult education tutor Karen Winship, who is running the free two day drop-in session, said: “I’m really excited about this workshop, as we are going to produce a piece of history for York. It’s also a great chance for people to get involved, get creative and see their work on display in the heart of the city.”

For more information about the project visit www.yorkstories2012.com.