Students collaborate for Drouin Library mural
Drouin Library has partnered with students from Drouin Secondary College and artist Sheldon Headspeath to create a mural for the library's teen area.
The mural will be a colourful and creative addition to the library's existing area for teens, which already contains an Xbox, PlayStation, and study area.
The project was made possible by a partnership between My Community Library (MYLI), Baw Baw Shire Council, Drouin Secondary College, and State of The Art Murals. The council provided funding.
The final artwork will depict a number of colourful fantasy characters from popular literature coming out of an open book, all designed and executed by students with assistance from Mr Headspeath.
Mr Headspeath of State of The Art Murals in Frankston, has been leading workshops with four students from Drouin Secondary College to help them create the mural.
The workshops involve discussing ideas, sketching out potential designs and workshopping them and finally, painting the piece.
Mr Headspeath also runs workshops with Frankston City for youths that have disengaged or are about to. The Street Art Program sees local youth come together to contribute to creative art projects.
He said his workshops begin with the students learning how to aerosol paint before moving into the design process, which is covered in later sessions.
The last few sessions focus on narrowing down design ideas and planning.
DSC teacher Scott Hasley said the project allowed students to take what they had learned in class and apply it to a real brief.
"In class, we have to be somewhat prescriptive in what we do," he said.
"We do play around with what we do, but we can't always do aerosol painting and things like that." Mr Hasley said the opportunity to do something in the community like the mural was a confidence boost for students who, although very talented, could often be shy about their skills.
"These community connections are so important, but we haven't had a lot of opportunities because of lockdowns and things," he said.
The opportunity to participate in the project was offered to all Year 10, 11, and 12 students, and a group of four Year 10 students were formed.
Student participant Angus Tampaline said it was a good opportunity for himself and other students.
"It's put my skills to the test," he said. "'Having the opportunity to put it out there for anyone to see is kind of a leap. It's not an opportunity you can really pass up."
The mural is due to be completed before the end of the month with a special unveiling event for friends, family, and teachers.