The end result of a ‘Mural Design Competition’ launched in April 2022 for a new mural at Waverley Pool was officially ‘opened’ at a ceremony yesterday (14 December).
Proposed by local artist, Jenni Corbett and supported by the Pātea Community Board, the mural design competition reflected the breadth of talent in the area, especially promising new artists. The competition offered the opportunity for the community to get creative while providing another point of interest in Waverley. The Council encouraged budding artists in the Waverley, Whenuakura and Waitotara areas to enter, either as an individual or a group.
Three shortlisted designs went to public vote at the local LibraryPlus, with 9-year-old Noklair Milton’s design winning the vote. The project was facilitated by the Council’s arts coordinator, Michaela Stoneman. She worked directly with the young artist to refine her design to make it fit well on the building and guided her through the design process, including selecting specialty paint colours.
Eltham based professional mural artist Dan Mills, was given the task of bringing the designs to life on the front façade of the Waverley Pool building, highly visible on State Highway 3.
‘Dan did an awesome job of translating Noklairs concept drawings to a vibrant, dynamic artwork that represents the local community. We are really fortunate to have such creative people in South Taranaki – art gives context to place, brightens up our lives and inspires us to be creative” Stoneman says.
At the ceremony Mayor Phil Nixon thanked the artists and funders of the project. Waitotara School attended the ceremony, sang a waiata and supported their school friend in her achievement. The completion of the mural coincided with the opening of the rural pools for the summer season. Be sure to check out the vibrant new mural next time you are heading through Waverley.
