Community lizard artwork launched
Schools
People crossing the railway line in Brompton need to look out for not only trains, but now an enormous pygmy blue tongue lizard that is watching their every move.
The colourful lizard sculpture brightening the once dreary corner of the pedestrian rail crossing at Drayton Street and Torrens Road is the creative work of students from Immaculate Heart of Mary School and members of the local community.
Titled ‘The Lizard and Neighbourhood Creatures’, the community art project ran over 18 months and involved staff and students from Years 4-7 teaming up with local artists to produce the sculpture and a series of quirky neighbourhood creatures made from recycled materials.
The art works were officially launched at the school last month by Mark Hutchinson, senior research scientist in herpetology from the SA Museum. In keeping with the theme of the art works, Dr Hutchinson shared his knowledge and passion for lizards with the students and guests, even bringing along some live examples.
Special guests at the event included local artists Will Powrie, Jacqui Hunter, Paul Anderson and Rosina Possingham, along with partners in the project from City of Charles Sturt, National Resource Management, Australian Rail Track Corp and Catholic Education SA.
Principal Pauline Kinsman said the project highlighted how members of a community could work together to create something beautiful.
“For the children at Immaculate Heart of Mary this art project has been an important part of their learning and growth; they’ve learnt things about design, planning and aesthetics,” she said.
“Just as importantly, they have had the chance to understand more about what it means to be an active citizen, what it is to participate, to collaborate, to problem solve with each other and with those beyond the school fences and to contribute to the community in which they live.”
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