Mural Masterpieces - Cambridge Primary School

Location:
Cambridge Primary School.

Team:
Apirana Procuta, Adrienne Erasmus, Ada Lin, Jordon Higgie, Tayla Higgie, Brianna Bateman.

Accessible to public:
Yes.

Mural theme:
The Beauty of Cambridge.

Background to mural creation:
Early in 2006, six children were identified in the school as being gifted and talented in art.  The project of painting a mural was devised as an activity to extend these children and at the same time beautify the school.  Six children were selected to make up the painting team, and Apirana was designated as project leader.  He was issued with three sheets of paper and given the task of designing a mural that would best represent Cambridge. 

He designed the mural to incorporate both the natural features and the Maori heritage of the area.  He had extensive knowledge of both.  He then drew the design onto the three boards and directed the painting team. 

Apirana chose three scenes that he felt best represented the natural history and Maori heritage of Cambridge,  Panel 1 represents the Maori Window God, Tawhirimatea swirling around the summit of local and world acclaimed nature reserve, Mt Maungatautari.  Panel 2 shows Tuna to Eel swimming in local reserve, Lake Te Koutu.  Panel 3 is the Waikato River represented as a Taniwha. 

Apirana included the local wildlife in all three panels.  He placed, drew and painted all the birds and lizards completely independently.