Two local artists have transformed an austere block wall at Goodwood State School into colourful murals depicting the region and honouring the sacrifice of the district’s servicemen and women.
The block wall, used as a play area for students, was provided to artists Madeline Pinkerton and Margaret Featherstone as a blank canvas with a mission to create two inspirational murals.
With the final touches completed on Saturday, Margaret and Madeline were delighted with the finished murals. The work was completed by the artists as a donation to the school.
“For a variety reasons it took 12 months to complete both sides of the block wall,” Margaret said.
“Initially I provided concept sketches to the school and the P&C which were inclusive of a number of designs the students had created.
‘In Flanders Fields' depicted
“One side of the wall features scenes that are synonymous with the school and the district with the original school building, the school crest and also the local agricultural and coastal sectors represented,” Margaret said.
“The other side is the wall of remembrance, which features a field of poppies, a soldier in silhouette and a rising sun.
“Madeline is responsible for creating the artwork involved in the poem “In Flanders Fields” and the work invested in producing that item is really intricate and shows so much artistic skill.”
School principal Rachelle Keeffe said the finished design was superb.
“We are so grateful for the work of the artists and the support provided by the community. It is a wonderful addition to the school,” she said.
Tammy Florage, who was the school P&C treasurer last year, said Margaret and Madeline had saved the school significant funds.
“The P&C was considering a Brisbane artist for the work and the cost was around $3000 so I suggested we engage local artists, and this is the result,” she said.
“It really is meaningful to have input from the kids in creating this work.”
Margaret Featherstone was quick to acknowledge the community assistance in providing labour, materials and funds to complete the project.
“Quite a number of businesses chipped in with donations and Woodgate Hardware provided paint,” she said.
“I would like to acknowledge the assistance of Kevin Apps who helped with the painting.”
Both said it was great to see the murals unfold. “We know the kids were excited to come to school on Mondays to see what had been added to the wall.”
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