March 28, 2023
From little things big things grow … and that’s exactly what has happened in Kingaroy, thanks to award-winning mural artist Joel Fergie (The Zookeeper).
Joel has been working on a large mural in the Hector Munro alleyway in the Kingaroy CBD, but took some time out from his labours to host a workshop for young artists in the Kingaroy Youth Park on Saturday.
The youth mural project, funded by Stanwell’s Tarong Community Partnership Fund, was hosted by South Burnett CTC.
Applicants aged from 12 to 24 were invited to apply to take part in the workshop, including submitting a photograph of a recent artwork.
CTC’s Kate McCormack said originally there were only going to be six spots available, but she had received so many great applications, this was extended to eight positions.
“It was extremely difficult to choose! The applications were so outstanding and showed there is a lot of talent in the South Burnett,” she said.
The eight successful young artists – aged from 14 to 20 – joined Joel on Saturday to paint a mural along a wall owned by CTC beside the Youth Park.
Joel sketched out a rough design as a starting point but the young artists then took over, adding their own flair to the artwork.
The mural workshop was followed by a community barbecue, hosted by CTC at the Youth Park.
The mural in Hector Munro alleyway, and Saturday’s youth workshop, were the brainchild of local resident Kirstie Schumacher who applied for the funding to bring Joel to the region.
The projects were auspiced by South Burnett Arts Inc.
