Native flora and fauna on show in St Stephen’s School Duncraig mural

WHAT was once a bland, grey wall is now a focal point of colour and creativity at St Stephen’s School Duncraig.

Last week the school unveiled its a large-scale mural, which marked a six-week art project in collaboration with Curtin University artist in residence Stephen Peacock.

Students from Years 4, 5 and 10 teamed up with Mr Peacock to design and create the work that spans 36sq m across the outside wall of the school’s Lorraine Paul Centre.

“The Year 10s were great from the get-go, were well prepared and were eager to take ownership of what they were creating,” Mr Peacock said.

“(They) did a great job mentoring the (younger students) with their contributions.

“All of the students should be extremely proud in producing such a huge artwork that will be a part of the school from now on.”

Native flora and fauna inspired the design, with quokkas, cockatoos and kangaroo paw creating the colourful natural landscape.

“From the students’ flora and fauna designs, we played with scale to compose an interesting design which can be viewed from various distances,” Mr Peacock said.

School teaching artist Claire Davenhall said the design had revitalised what was once a plain space.

“Stephen embraced the size and scale (of the wall) and developed a beautiful composition and colour scheme that complements the building and spirit of St Stephen’s School,” she said.

Large whiteboard squares have also been incorporated to transform the space into an outdoor classroom.

“Our sports teacher commented he would be using the integrated whiteboard for students to keep score during his games, as (the mural) overlooks the primary oval,” Mrs Davenhall said.