Elevation mural approaches completion

Updated May 4th, 2013

The painting of the mural on the Elevation Cafe wall is approaching completion, with many volunteers offering time to contribute their part of the jigsaw under professional guidance.

The mural is the first of nine planned over the next several years, to be designed and painted by members of the community, and being organised by the murals committee of Vision Motueka. It is expected to be completed on May 5th. (See our earlier story.)

On Friday night, April 26th, projectors were used to put the planned image on the wall so that the shapes could be marked by pencil. The next day the volunteers already had many of the basic elements blocked out in colour and the frame painted, and on Sunday work began on details of individual items within the mural such as birds and mountains.

Now, one week later, most of the details are completed and ready for the celebratory 'Paint the Town' party on Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Some small touching up of several elements and panels, as well as the installation of the title lettering above the mural, will be completed during the coming week.

The photos below show progress to date. The lead artist, Alex Burnett, is allocating parts of the work to helpers, along with lots of tips on how to use a brush and provide texture. The photo at right shows Alex teaching methods of detailing the pukeko.

The designer, Andy Lowe of Image Creators, provided the equipment and offered plenty of advice and direction, while the Vision Motueka committee looked after co-ordinating the volunteers and health and safety requirements.

Elevation Cafe owner Izzy Elridge is providing food vouchers and refreshments for painters, who all wear the official, unmissable T-shirt so the work is well controlled.

Work will continue under Alex and Andy's guidance through the week and next weekend. Already a team of volunteers are offering their time including some High School art students, a few family groups and some retired people who have artistic experience.

A long-standing expert in mural painting, Alex is inspiring the team as they learn new techniques in what to some will be a rare opportunity to improve their skills.

Anyone wanting to lend a hand and contribute their piece is encouraged to drop in for an hour or two, receive instructions and a T-shirt, and watch the picture grow.

The series of murals will showcase aspects of Motueka's history, culture, industry and environment. The one being painted is actually the final one of the series, depicting the use of our region for adventure tourism. Many adventure tourism businesses have donated money to the murals team.

Andy and the Vision Motueka murals team expect that as they gain experience through the set of murals, some people will become skilled at working through the process. In addition, the Vision Motueka organisers have set in place a basis and paperwork for preparing each mural.

Comment by Shirley Frater:
[Posted 28 April 2013]

Great start

Comment by Marion Edwin:
[Posted 28 April 2013]

It is great to see this fabulous project get off the ground (and onto a wall!) Big thumbs up to the whole team. Nice work.

Middle of Day One

End of Day Two, with base colour blocks done

Late on Day Three (Ian the busker on the left)

Afternoon of Day Four, with detailing of sections under way

Afternoon of Day Five

Before rain set in on Day Six

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