Students at Westport Primary School have helped brighten up the local community with a colourful and unique mural at Semaphore Park.
The children were involved in what is the first known example in the world of a ‘paint by numbers’ paste-up mural which was designed by local artist Di Caught, in collaboration with Sydney designer Claire Edwards, and installed at the adjacent Trust Reserve.
They coloured over 70 panels separately last term, but the final finished product was kept a surprise for their return from the July school holidays.
The initiative was supported by the City of Charles Sturt, with Mayor Angela Evans unveiling the mural titled ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ to delighted students and teachers.
The artwork shows the power of teamwork and encourages us all to chase our dreams.
Artist and placemaker Di Caught said it was a rewarding project to work on with the students.
“It represents many hands rather than just one artist. It belongs to the kids because they’ve done all the colouring in,” she said.
“They like the air of mystery of it all.
“Something I love about the paste-ups is the way that it makes the paper look like it’s part of the wall. I love things that start small and build, and you get a really nice picture.
“Every time I think about a project it’s how community members can be involved. I couldn’t imagine doing this without that involvement.
“I feel like the end result is more meaningful.”
Well done to the students and teachers at Westport Primary, Di and everyone involved!