Mural captures heart of school

Students at Omokoroa Point School were in awe when a colourful mural portraying their community, and including a slice of their work, was unveiled by the artists, Andrea Van Klein and Jackie Toohey.

Principal Hugh Smith, speaking at the unveiling ceremony, said the mural didn't happen overnight.

"I'm sure they (artists) have paint under their fingernails after working day and night over the past three months - today you can see it."

This is a special piece of art and a special part of what this school is all about, he said.

"I hope you come and enjoy it in the weeks, months and years to come and come back even when you leave school."

Teacher Vicki Knell had talked about the idea of a mural connecting the four school houses, Matakana (green), Motuhoa (yellow), Kaimai (blue) and Rangiwaea (red) together. After much discussion about what the mural should contain and looking at lots of images Andrea, who is new to the school, came up with a design which was painted on four large panels at her home. The mother of four said she wanted to include everything that makes Omokoroa special like the sea, sunshine, vegetation, the walkways and the pohutukawa trees at Christmas time.

Colours used in the four panels relate to each of the school houses. Finding that something special to connect the four panels took some time. Andrea, who has an art diploma from The Learning Connexion, decided on a koropepe (spiritual protector of Mother Earth) to connect the four panels (school houses) together.

Jackie, who has two children at the school, hand-made and hand-painted each of the raised paua shell-look letters in the Mission Statement: Kids are confident connected learners who make a difference, incorporated into the mural. Highlighting and shading on the letters from the sun shining give a distinct three-dimensional effect.

A border around the outside completed the mural. For this Andrea incorporated American painter, the late Jackson Pollock's unique style of drip painting to include a modern graffiti look, with each class painting a special section.

The mural took over 12 weeks to complete with help from parents.

Andrea said it was nice to be able to give back to the school "after the welcome and support they have given us".

The mural has been entered in the Resene Paints Mural Masterpieces competition.