By JESSE GRAHAM
COLDSTREAM kids have picked up paint cans to make their school a better place, helping to compose a mural depicting the town they are growing up in.
Coldstream Primary School students have teamed up with local artist, Brad Colling, as part of a project put on by the Yarra Ranges Council’s Youth Services team to make a mural at the school.
Under Mr Colling’s guidance, every student from the school has tried their hand at spray-painting a large, colourful mural depicting the rolling hills of Coldstream.
The art is inspired by the work of local artist, Margaret McLoughlin, and Mr Colling said the project taught the children the difference between street art and vandalism through tagging.
“It’s about, from my perspective, allowing kids to leave a positive mark, rather than a negative mark,” he said.
“It’s good to want to leave a mark, but here’s an opportunity to do it positively.”
Principal Peter Donaldson said the project had been successful, and that the participation gave the students a sense of ownership over their school and the mural.
“I’m really happy with it at the moment – all of the kids are getting an opportunity to contribute,” he said.
“It tries to smarten up the place and get some ownership – the kids can go back and show their friends as they get older, even with their kids if they’re still in the area.”
Student Welfare Officer Amy Carter said that Mr Colling’s interaction with the students helped to build positive relationships through teaching values such as respect, resilience and pride.
The mural is expected to be finished in coming days, and will have a special anti-tagging coat applied after it is finished, to reduce the chances of it being destroyed by vandals.
