Local artist Lee Wight collaborated with Corowa High School students to come up with the mural design.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Corowa artist Lee Wight has put in more than 100 hours across 16 days to bring the shelter sheds and toilet blocks at Corowa Skate Park to life with his vibrant Murray River inspired artwork, and he said there’s no better feeling seeing his work out in the public.
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Lee was at the public unveiling last Friday, a fun family event to mark the occasion with more than 40 kids taking to the park on their bikes, skateboards and scooters.
Hosted by Federation Council and the Federation Primary Prevention Team (FPPT), the free afternoon included an open skate session, Corowa Police 3x3 basketball, live DJ and sausage sizzle.
“I've always wanted to do a big mural but never had the opportunity and never put myself out there to do one,” Lee said.
“When this came about I thought, I need to do this, have a crack and tick it off the bucket list.
“Every day when I was out here, people walking past were saying ‘it's awesome’ and ‘thanks for doing what you're doing’; it’s an awesome feeling and I’m really happy with it.”
The new murals were well received by the community, with members of the FPPT, Federation Council, Corowa Skate Park Committee, Lions Club and local police putting on a fun family event for all to enjoy.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
After receiving a brief from Federation Council that required a Murray River nature themed mural, Lee spent time wandering around the local foreshore and river trails looking for inspiration.
Once his design was approved, he and his daughter, Alira, spent nights projecting the images and tracing them onto the walls in the dark; the next day they would come back and paint with brushes and rollers.
The mural took 15 days to put together, and on day 16, the anti-graffiti clear coat that prevents graffiti from adhering to surfaces was applied, making it easier to remove without damaging the underlying material.
Corowa kids flocked to enjoy the skate park at the mural unveiling: pictured here in front of the main wall behind the car wash, which the Skate Park Committee would like to get painted if they can get approval and funding.
Photo by
Ian Johnson
Federation councillor Susan Wearne praised the work by Lee and his family when she spoke at the event, and the collaborative efforts from the FPPT, Federation Council and the community.
“You look at this this mural and it's bright, it's colourful, it's reflective of the area; it’s an outstanding piece of artwork in Federation,” Cr Wearne said.
“It took a lot of people to do an amazing job.”
And to the young people who came to the unveiling, she said, “you have an outstanding area in which to come down and enjoy with your friends”.
“I want you to use this park, value the amazing work that's gone on, be proud of this area, take care of it and respect it,” she said.
“Think of this as your backyard, this is where you belong to have fun.
“Make sure it stays this way, and most of all, enjoy it.”
