THE bare walls of Morley Library were transformed last week, with a bold Swan River design snaking through the book cases.
Ten pre-apprentice painters and decorators from non-profit group MPA Skills painted the mural as part of the City of Bayswater’s community arts grant program.
Trainer and artist Stephen Delaney led the project and sketched the design on to the walls, then worked with the apprentices to paint it over two weeks.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I’ve been wanting to do a project like this for a long time,” he said.
Mr Delaney said the Swan River-inspired design linked inspirational words and the snaky lines aimed to represent ties to Noongar heritage.
“The river flows into the tree and onto itself,” he said.
For the pre-apprentices, aged 16 to 28, the mural was one of their final projects as they completed their Certificate II this week.
Mr Delaney said he wanted to showcase the creativity and prospects of a career in painting and decorating.
“Some of the students are very creative… (painting and decorating) is not just about painting walls,” he said.
He said he would look to do other projects in the City and had some ideas for a Moroccan-inspired toilet block by the river.
Mayor Barry McKenna said art brought public spaces to life.
“This project offers the opportunity for apprentices to collaborate with an experienced artist and contribute to the vibrancy of our City,” he said.
Morley Library moved last year after its lease at Morley Galleria ran out.