cowden park ablution block

This artwork began as an Expression of Interest (EOI) tender to revitalise the Cowden Park ablution block, with a goal to create a fresh, engaging design that involved the local community. The brief specifically called for the inclusion of the students from West Leederville Primary School, making this project a collaborative, community-focused endeavour. The task was to transform the space into something that not only represented the beauty of the surrounding area but also gave the students an opportunity to leave their mark on the final mural.

To kick off the project, Haylee held an interactive workshop with a group of enthusiastic students from the school. Together, they brainstormed around the theme “Celebrating the Beauty of our Area,” a concept that sparked great excitement and creativity. They explored the local environment, including the park, Lake Monger, and the diverse wildlife that call the area home, coming up with a range of inspiring ideas that Haylee integrated into the mural's design.

Once the concept was approved, Haylee and her team prepared the wall with “paint-by-numbers” outlines, allowing the students to take part in bringing the mural to life. On painting day, the students filled in the colour sections and were excited to be part of such a meaningful project; many of them proudly showed off their section of the mural to friends and family. To complete the artwork, Haylee painted in the realistically detailed birds and animals in her signature style.

The final mural vibrantly wraps around the toilet block in a dynamic and playful way. At the heart of the design is a blue horizon line symbolising Lake Monger, accompanied by silhouettes of people walking and cycling along the park's many paths. Native plants and animals are also featured, helping to highlight the area's natural beauty, as well as adding another layer of local significance.

Client: Town of Cambridge

Title: Cowden Park

Date: 2023

Dimensions: Various

Materials: Dulux Weathershield paint

Location: Cowden Park, West Leederville