Leading Queensland public artist David Houghton is helping to nurture budding artists at Matthew Flinders Anglican College Primary School with his new large-scale mural art project on campus.
Thirty-four students from Prep to Year 6 volunteered to be a part of the workshop. Houghon facilitated the program. He has been artist-in-residence at Flinders for the duration of Term 3.
The giant painted wall mural incorporated aspects of the students’ artworks. The mural measures nine metres in length and took four days for Mr Houghton to complete.
Trudi Edwards Head of Primary School at Flinders said the College was thrilled to work with an artist of Houghton’s reputation for the eight-week project duration.
“Our students are benefiting from their interactions with David who is a passionate and experienced public artist with a talent for mentoring young artists,” Trudi said.
“At Flinders, we want to provide our students with diverse opportunities to explore their creativity and to develop their confidence, passion and skills through artistic pursuits,” she said.
“This art project has enabled the students to participate in workshops under David’s guidance. They have conceptualised and designed the art mural, and then created individual artworks which explore the theme of ‘reading’ and its value to them.
“We love the final mural and are grateful for the colour, vibrancy and creativity it contributes to our College environment.”
Funding the art mural
The Flinders art project was funded by the ‘Read for Change’ fundraiser in Term 2. The fundraiser was initiated by Staff and Student Council who strive to create positive change in the lives of others. It involved Flinders’ students from Prep to Year 6 reading hundreds of books in just seven days. It raised over $14,000 in donations.
The majority of the funds went to help support two children that Flinders’ Primary School sponsors through World Vision as well as our local SunnyKids charity and other Sunshine Coast support groups. The remainder of the funds was invested into the art mural project.
David is an inspiring role model for Flinders’ students, bringing more than 10 years experience in the public art arena.
He has produced a diverse range of creative commissions. These include photo-realistic portraits, scenic murals and vibrant street art that can be seen across Southeast Queensland. He has also completed commissions for government and community clients.
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