Tambrey Primary School raises $20k to debut new art murals at school

Tambrey Primary School has successfully brought renowned artist Mel McVee, popularly known as Melski, and her sister Tash to create three vibrant murals around the school premises. With funding support from corporate entities like Woodside, FMG, and Pilbara Real Estate, as well as community contributions from Jetwave Marine, Santos, Yara, and QUBE Energy, the school raised over $20,000 to bring this art project to life. Home to nearly 700 students, with a third of them having Indigenous backgrounds, school Deputy Principal Toni Whitbread and visual arts specialist Felicity Collins said the mission of the project was to celebrate diversity and create a sense of belonging by reflecting students’ culture through artwork. The school’s mission was to celebrate diversity and create a profound sense of belonging by reflecting the students’ culture through artwork. What particularly attracted the school to Mel’s artwork was its unique paint-by-numbers style, which allowed students to actively participate in the mural creation process. Eager to engage the entire school community, the school declared a special “paint week,” during which more than 650 students enthusiastically joined hands to contribute to the murals. Throughout the week, students not only participated in the creation of the murals but also enjoyed immersive art sessions in the park, indulging in painting, drawing, collaging, and chalk drawings under the enchanting winter weather. The entire experience served to nurture the students’ creativity and appreciation for art, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic aspirations. Tambrey Primary School visual arts specialist Felicity Collins said she was thrilled to see the whole school coming together for a week of collaborative art. Positioned strategically around the school, the murals are not only intended to benefit the students but also to extend their impact to the wider community. One of the impressive murals faces the main hub of the school, capturing the attention of anyone who enters. another adorns the undercover area and shared play space, while the third graces the school’s basketball courts, a space that is used by both the school and the community. The project received immense support and recognition from the funding partners, who were invited to a special school assembly to be acknowledged for their invaluable contributions. They were also welcomed to participate in the mural painting, further strengthening the bond between the school and its sponsors.