Hemmings Street, Dandenong West has been transformed following the installation of bold, bright public artwork developed by primary school students in collaboration with a well-known artist.
Illustrator Beci Orpin transformed the artworks of local students from Dandenong West Primary School as part of the Hemmings Street Shopping Strip upgrade.
Mayor Angela Long said the project was the result of overwhelming support from the community to engage locals in the art-making process.
“During COVID-19 restrictions, select students from Dandenong West Primary School were hand delivered craft supplies and an activity. Beci tasked them with creating pet rocks and pebble creatures, and the students did an amazing job showing off their talent for imagination and design.”
The finished works were then photographed and sent to Beci, who transformed the creatures into the fabulous mural and totems.
“The totems welcome visitors as they drive, walk or ride towards the shops. This public art package is symbolic of the power of the arts to create connections, build local pride and discover new skills. Not only that - but also to create a more vibrant shopping strip which reinforces the kindness, support and sense of community espoused by the local shop keepers and residents,” Cr Long said.
The artwork will be officially unveiled on Friday 25 June at 11am to celebrate the project milestone.
“I’d like to congratulate the students, Beci, and Ivan, the school’s Youth Worker, for taking part in a beautiful and highly successful project that will benefit thousands of residents, shoppers and shop keepers. The whole project was done during the toughest lockdown and still achieved a wonderful result.
This project is part of a larger body of work to upgrade Hemmings St, Dandenong West between Jones Road and Purdy Avenue to improve the overall amenity and appearance of this neighbourhood shopping strip.
The mural artwork is located at 102 Hemmings Street, Dandenong West.
