CHILDREN are being drawn to Sorrento Primary School’s library thanks to work by a Duncraig artist.
Jose Saracho, who has two daughters at the school, was approached by the parents and citizens association to create a mural on the library’s exterior.
Having studied fine art in Barcelona and worked as a graphic designer in Australia, he leapt at the opportunity.
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READ NOW“It’s nice to get involved and do something that will be there long-term,” he said.
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The school provided him with a brief to transform the bare red-brick library into a more welcoming place and Mr Saracho came up with the concept.
“As the books leave the shelves, they ascend, transforming into seagulls, the symbol of the school,” he said.
“Reading has the power to engage a child’s imagination, enabling ideas to take flight. The sky is the limit.”
The mural was finished at the start of the school year, but he said it took longer than expected.
“I knew I could do it, but I’d never done anything that big,” he said.
“Once I started painting, it felt natural.”
Mr Saracho said he had received positive feedback, with one parent even telling him it had encouraged their child to visit the library to read.
“All the kids, everyone I’ve spoken to, they love it,” he said.
Principal Lindsay Harby said there had been an overwhelming response from staff, parents and students.
“Sorrento Primary has been undergoing significant improvement in grounds and buildings over the last four years and the mural truly complements this progress,” he said.
Visitors are encouraged to view the mural on March 11 as the school is a State Election polling station.