Art teacher Cassie O’Brien says her students are exceptionally proud to know the magnificent mural they produced will be on display in the new St Stephen’s Hospital.
Fifteen students, aged between 14 and 16 years-of-age, in grades nine to 12 at the Fraser Coast Anglican College, created the stunning artwork ‘Gum Trees’, which depicts the way sunlight reflects off gum trees in a myriad of different ways.
The school then donated the mural to the new $96 million St Stephen’s Hospital in Hervey Bay.
“The hospital is a real boost to our area and very much a part of our community and the school were keen to show their support, as one part of the community helping another,” Cassie said.
“The students had great fun working on this project and we completed it over two full days of crazy and intense workshops, with two students working together on each section.
“If you look closely you can see the different styles of artist between the sections but coming together through a common theme.
“The mural depicts the middle section of a gum tree, and is an abstract version of lots of light reflecting from the tree in different ways and colours.
“Our students are really proud that their artwork will now be on display in the hospital and it’s great that the hospital and school are supporting each other in this way.”
Year Nine art student Madison Signitzer, said: “I loved taking part in this art mural and helping to create a happy and comfortable environment for those visiting the hospital. I feel privileged to know that I will put a smile on somebody’s face. I thoroughly enjoyed making this mural for the new St Stephen’s Hospital - it was lots of fun.”
General Manager of St Stephen’s Hospital, Deb Boyd, said the artwork was a stunning addition to the hospital.
“The students have done an amazing job and we thank them for their outstanding efforts,” Ms Boyd said.
“From the grains of sand used for texture in the painting to the hands that painstakingly placed them there, this artwork is a perfect representation of how the hospital is embedded with the people and places of the Fraser Coast,” she said.
Leisa Harper, Principal of the Fraser Coast Angligan College, said: “I am very proud of our students for the contribution they have made to the broader community through being involved in this art project. At the college, we are keen for our students to have real-life opportunities as well as to learn the joy of giving of your time and talents for the benefit of others.”
As part of UnitingCare Health, St Stephen’s Hospital is a not-for-profit private healthcare provider owned by the Uniting Church and is the only not-for-profit provider of private hospital services on the Fraser Coast.