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A group of young artists has been hard at work over the last month, painting a new mural for the outdoor children’s area at Whangaparāoa Library.
The mural was a long time coming with idea dating back to pre-covid conversations. Red Beach artist Susannah Law was approached by the library’s then manager, but with delays around covid, funding for the mural fell through.
Four years later, noticing the still blank wall, Law approached children’s librarian Toni-Emma with an offer to apply for funds to create the mural together with her students. To keep costs down, Law repurposed an old commissioned mural that had since been relegated to storage. The library also received a donation of paint for the mural.
Library manager Eileen Sione said the mural transformed the back courtyard space into something really special for the children.
After securing funding from the Creative Communities Scheme, Law set to work with eight student artists early last month. Two students were from her studio and six were year 10 students, nominated by Whangaparāoa College art teacher Camilla Copley.
With the old forest mural as a foundation, the young artists painted more than 20 fantasy creatures, as well as flora and fauna from nearby Shakespear park.
“I guided the students to draw and paint images of their choice. They worked on different parts of the mural for the children’s area over the month.
“My son Daniel is a builder and he installed the mural with my nephew Jet Hannah.”
After the installation, the artists added finishing touches before Law varnished the mural earlier this month.
“It was enjoyable working with the students, they were skilled and very enthusiastic,” Law said.
Sione said the library is thrilled to have a new mural in the courtyard.
“This mural brings to life a magical forest wonderland, right next to our children’s area. We are excited that this beautiful work of art is part of our library.
“We are extremely grateful to Susannah, our student painters, and everyone involved for making our back courtyard a place of beauty, discovery and wonder!” Sione said.
About the artists
An ecological artist, Susannah Law’s acrylic paintings bring conservation stories to life. She embeds this into her art classes for Hibiscus Coast youth. Growing up on the Whangaparāoa peninsula has influenced her art, and her work reflects the unique Coastie culture. Grace Cook and Tayla Griffiths who are Red Beach studio art students. Whangaparāoa College art students: Mine Rossouw, Charlea Cannell, Brooke Witherington, Emma Morton-Jones, Alyssa Bright and Ana Walker.
