Congratulations to the talented group of students from the Hīrere Art Extension group who designed and painted a mural that is now proudly on display at Bishopdale Community Green.

Last year Breen's was contacted by the Enliven Bishopdale Group and invited to design and paint a 'window' to be part of a wider community mural. They wanted the students to think what they would see, or like to see, about Bishopdale from either the past or present.

In February, after lots of brainstorming and throwing around ideas the Hirere Extension Art Group agreed on looking out their 'window' and seeing native New Zealand. Students all starting drawing their ideas which were then collated and put into a final design. 

The resulting painting is a brilliant collection of students ideas, drawings, painting, and collaborative efforts. We are super proud of all the effort they put in. It took a lot of lunchtimes, afternoons, and even some weekend sessions!

When I look at the beautiful artwork they created I think of Elsie-Kate and Luke drawing and painting the harakeke, Fi with much care and detail working painstakingly on the two birds, mixing the perfect colours. Anna-Jane took a long time drawing the small flowers and foliage of the manuka plant. Sarah and Rebecka worked on the rata flowers and leaves framing the top of the painting, making sure they were all in the right place and painting them so it looks like they just happened to be there. The detailed drawing and painting of the insects was the work of Ryan using the finest of brushes. Yanzie's efforts painting the never ending sky was legendary. I think all the team contributed to the vibrant flowers of the harakeke. 

It was a pretty special spending time with these talented students, listening to their ideas, their encouragement of each other, their laughter and teasing. 

The fab news came through this week that the Enliven Bishopdale Community Mural, of which our painting was part of, won 2nd place in the Best  Community Mural  Competition, a national competition run by Resene. 

I hope you all have a chance to pop down to the village green and enjoy the results of a communities collaborative efforts and creativity.

Sarah Turpin

Visual Arts Teacher