TOOLEYBUC Central’s library is the latest school building to be adorned with a stunning technicolour mural by artist Zowie Crump, thanks to a grant from the Murray River Council.
After liaising with the school, the Mathoura based artist landed on a sweeping design which aims to capture the town’s bushland setting and warm, friendly essence.
“They referred to some other murals I had done at other schools, including in Moama and Hay, and thought of the concept of the Murray River, gumtrees, the Tooleybuc Bridge and a range of animals,” the artist said.
“I put together the concept with the two birds, native flora and the bridge in the centre.
“All of my work is very colourful, and I like to incorporate native Australiana as much as I can.”
The Murray River and the Tooleybuc Bridge flows through the piece, bookended by a Kookaburra and a Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
With bold colours and charmingly kitsch symbolism, the work is reminiscent of iconic Australian artist Ken Done.
Having only been professionally painting murals for around 12 months, Crump’s work belies no trace of a relative newcomer to the mural game.
Crump, who taught herself several techniques watching videos online, completed the work over two days using spray paint and a “squiggle grid” technique.
“The kids were very excited, they didn’t really know what the design was going to be, so it was a bit of a surprise for them,” she said.
“The school had obviously worked with the kids to come up with ideas and themes, but the kids had great fun guessing what the animals might be.”
Crump started the mural on Friday and finished on Saturday, so while the students were able to snatch glimpses of the work in its initial stages, they had to wait until Monday to see the finished product.
“It’s also at the front of the school, so the whole community can enjoy it too,” the muralist said.
“When I was painting, there were lots of people in caravans going past and slowing down, so it’s kind of like a new attraction.
“I just think it makes people happy when they see something colourful – it sparks up conversations and spreads a bit of joy and happiness.”
Staying in the town for two days, Crump was full of praise for Tooleybuc.
“The Tooleybuc community was so good, I stayed at the Tooleybuc Club and they were amazing – so helpful,” she said.
“I just think the people are beautiful, and the setting as well – lovely, by the bush and the river.
“The people were very friendly, the kids were excited, it was just a happy occasion.”
Tooleybuc Central School principal Melanie Wait said the school is so proud of the beautiful learning environments they have available for their students.
“Our mural that was donated by the Murray River Council is just beautiful,” Ms Wait said.
“(It is) a wonderful addition to not only our school but the Tooleybuc community.
“We still have grand plans to keep making sure that our school provides the best learning environments possible for our students, and we are currently planning refurbishment works to our secondary art room.”
Murray River Council Mayor Cr John Harvie said the grants were a positive way to engage students while also nurturing creativity and fostering school pride.
“It’s a fantastic example of community collaboration that will leave a lasting impact on our schools and towns,” he said.
