Creating a Cheerful Space

An 18-metre long by 3-metre-high nature inspired mural which depicts the fauna and flora of the local area has been painted by the students at Bridgetown Primary school, with every student in the school given the opportunity to take part in the project.

Artist and illustrator Alicia Rogerson workshopped the design of the mural during Book Week in Term 3.

During the workshop Alicia shared her research with the students about local flora and fauna and the local endangered animals. Students from Years 1 to 6 had a go at sketching natural items and images that Alicia had brought in.

Alicia recorded a brief for the students which encouraged them to get out into nature during the October school holidays and draw. She said, “Remember. every item in nature is different. Your drawing is as individual as you and that is exactly what we want for the mural.”

Alicia being the guiding hand which brought their conceptions of what was to be included in the mural to life in a stunning 18-metre-long picture.

The Bridgetown Primary School P&C was the body that funded the project. The undercover play area had been an area of concern which the P&C wanted to improve and brighten for the students, the mural turning a plain brick wall into a delightful scene.

Judith Dadson, Bridgetown Primary School Principal is very proud of what the students have been able to create; “Alicia mapped the students’ drawings and ideas onto the wall, with some students mapping their own drawings on, then all the students in the school participated in painting the scene. It was like a very large ‘paint by numbers’ picture which Alicia had prepared.

“With Alicia’s guidance the students have created a mural in which they can take a lot of pride as well as having a sense of ownership with the project.”

Around 200 students participated in the painting of the mural across the school Years 1 to 6.

Sarah Muizarajs the school’s Library Officer talks about the project; “All the students are now enjoying the transformed, bright and refreshed space the mural has created.

“After the holidays around 100 students submitted their artworks to be included into the mural. Alicia combined her drawings with the students to create a massive scene. Students then assisted Alicia prepare the wall with white undercoat, then together they drew the rescaled art onto the wall and each part was numbered with a corresponding number. Black outlines were the next step and finally colour was added”

“Alicia spent around a week with the students designing the mural bringing their thoughts to life. She then came in to the school during the holidays to map the drawing onto the wall. Later, the students took around a week to complete the mural.

“With Alicia’s kind, gentle and encouraging manner generating such a wonderful result, it is amazing to see the mural the students have created.”