Mother and daughter duo deliver school library mural

STUDENTS returning for term two at the Mansfield Primary School were delighted when they saw the new mural in the library, which appeared over the school holidays thanks to the creative efforts of mother and daughter duo Jenny Gibney and teacher Simone Schelfhout. The project evolved when the school's library coordinator approached Simone during term one. When asked if Simone and her mother, Jenny, would be willing to do a mural for the library, the pair jumped at the chance to generously give back to the school that had supported their children over several years. It was agreed that the theme would be an Australian 'bushscape' encompassing various native birds and animals. These were researched by the library team's year six students, Max, Monty, Kiarra, and Rex, with special input from Dylan Schelfhout, a fellow student and third-generation family member. "We called the mural 'The Wild' and it is sited in the reading nook so the kids can get themselves a book and feel like they are sitting out in the bush while they read," said Jenny. "It is powerful the first time you see it, and it is full of nuances and hidden treats kids can find. "The mural wraps the kids in the picture like a warm hug." The project started with a mock-up of what the finished three-metre by three-metre artwork would look like. Then, Jenny and Simone completed the mural in one week over the school holidays. "We have often worked on art projects together in the past, and love working together," said Jenny. "It is really great to have a second opinion and helpful suggestions both ways. "We have slightly different approaches; I'm more near enough-slap-dash- just get it on the wall, and Simone is a more careful, accurate, beautiful finish." The school purchased the paint and was appreciative of Careys Paint Place's help in matching the colours exactly as Jenny requested. "We always use proper interior paint for these sort of big works as they will last well into the future," she said. "I haven't done a big mural for several years, but it was a large part of my art practice in the past. "I think the last one I did was the hallway wall at Central General Practice. "The first one I ever did was the archways in the Mansfield Hotel Courtyard in 2001 and they are still there today. "I find working on any sized artwork fulfilling, and I'm sure Simone does too. "She does find the ladders less challenging than I do these days, and not surprisingly I wear out quicker."