Mural Masterpieces - Birchville School

Location:
Greenstone Drive, Upper Hutt.

Team:
Year 5 and 6 students – Sasha, Mikade, Shannon, Dayna, Andrea, Mishael, Ivory; and Jane and Jan.

Accessible to public:
Yes. Reception area.

Mural theme:
Turangawaewae: Birchville, our place.

Background to mural creation:

A curved wall was built in the reception area to better utilise the space. The mural decorates this area and is representative of the community, and its position in the school in the reception area welcomes visitors to this place.

A small group of enthusiastic artists were selected. They worked in pairs to research and prepare drafts of their ideas. A series of concentrated art workshops followed. Each pair completed a mini mural using corrugated card and card sheeting to simulate the metal that would be used in the actual work. Aspects from the mini murals were incorporated into the final design.

Silbery’s Roofing helped provide the much needed metal. The painted metal parts were riveted and screwed together to form the final curved construction.

Visual symbols in the work are used to express the story being told:

• A rainbow represents hope and optimism for the future.
  
• Clouds reflect the changeable weather in these humpy surrounding hills. The river has a strong presence.
  
• Taniwha were often protectors of water sources and reminded people of the importance of clean water and the need to take good care of it.
  
• The triangular wharenui shape symbolises a caring community and the figures in it, us, you and me.
  
• The wonderful tui expresses the energy and delight of spring in Birchville.
  
• The kereru looks on.