Students adding life to shelters

Students from the Challenger Institute of Technology, Fremantle Fast Track and Seton Catholic College were part of the city's urban art bus stop program, in which young people design and paint a scene on one of the city's shelters.

Challenger Institute youth art lecturer Emma Margetts said the students loved making over a Beaconsfield stop.

"The course participants have the wonderful opportunity to express themselves in a public arena, which helps build their self-confidence and sense of pride and belonging within the community," she said.

"The students" final design, although cartoon-like on first glance, tells a powerful message for young and old alike about setting goals, moving forward, working towards a better future and not being swayed by negative influences."

Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said 13 bus stops had been rejuvenated since the project was launched in 2010. "The City of Fremantle aims to nurture young peoples" talents through these real-life art projects that give them an opportunity to learn new skills and contribute to Freo's art scene," he said.

"These projects have become great conversation points and Im always pleased to tell people that they were painted by our young artists and hopefully change some perceptions associated with street art."

The bus stops are in front of Fremantle Hospital, on the corner of South and Lewington streets in Beaconsfield, and on Winterfold Road in Hilton.