A park in Alpine Shire Council in Victoria has received a stunning splash of colour thanks to a project harnessing the creativity of local youth with the help of professional street artists.
A team of 10 young people joined artist Andrew Bourke and Melbourne-based urban artist Andre Barouh to deliver the colourful project at Apex Park in Myrtleford.
The “Brighten the Park” Project was funded by the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Preventions Program, supported by the Victorian Government and facilitated by Alpine Shire Council.
The project started on Saturday 16 December, with the first two days incorporating a youth street art workshop.
Alpine Shire Council Manager Community and Economic Development Elaine Burridge said Andrew shared his skills in using spray paint to develop some amazing artwork.
“Over three days the youth were able to practice their skills on large ply board sheets, before helping Andrew paint the “four seasons” themed wall,” she said.
“Leading Senior Constable and Wangaratta Crime Preventions Officer Helen Parfett attended on one afternoon to give the students an information session on the impact of illegal graffiti and tagging.
“Andrew then completed the Regent Honey Eater/Myrtleford Image and the Lake Buffalo Image.”
Danny J Photography supplied the Lake Buffalo image as a reference, and Andre from Set It Off painted the kiln image with Mount Buffalo in the background.
“The response from the community has been wonderful, with people visiting Apex Park daily to watch the progress and stopping to chat with Andrew about his work,” Ms Burridge said.
“What was once a really dull toilet block has become a bright and interesting feature, and will be a great asset to the Shire.”
