Project Twin Streams - Murals with a Message

Pupils at Henderson Primary School created these 'Dream Stream Fish' to display on their school fence alongside a busy intersection in Henderson. The fish are a visual reminder of the school’s commitment to the wellness of Waitakere's streams.

Likewise, pupils at Henderson South School collaborated with artists Ebony Waru and Mandy Patmore (pictured bottom left) to create a colourful mural which illustrates the positive impact their work has had on their adopted area of Opanuku Stream. The finished mural hangs on the outside wall of the school hall .

And the mural which hangs on the road-side of Swanson Primary’s library (pictured bottom right) is testament to their involvement with Project Twin Streams. "We hope people who see the mural will know we care about our streams and that we know what's good for our streams and what's bad," says 12 year-old artist Talia Ball.

Created by over 50 schoolchildren, the large fauna-emblazoned mural was a collaborative effort between Swanson Primary and senior art students from St Dominic's College in Henderson. The artists from Swanson Primary each created a stand-alone painting that was mounted on a painted background created by the older students. These were either of the flora and fauna they'd like to see in Waitakere's streams, such as eels, native bird, frogs and insects, or those pests and weeds they'd prefer weren't there.

"It was great being able to channel our creativity into something that benefits the community and helps the environment at the same time," says Tessa Fuhrer, one of the artists from St Dominic’s.

View the photo storyboard of the mural being made at http://www.swanson.school.nz/Site/Events_and_Happenings/Twin_Streams_Mural_2.ashx

Top photo: Jamie Watson