Artist back to school for entry statement inspiration

About 150 primary school children have shared their ideas and enthusiasm with a Harvey artist who will be building a new entry statement to welcome visitors to Brunswick.

Anthea Ward was selected by the council to complete the entry statement artwork to replace the one destroyed in a crash in 2017.

Mrs Ward has previously created the mosaic entry statements in Harvey, Binningup, Clifton Park, Cookernup, Myalup and Yarloop.

She said she was easily swept up in the energy and creativity of the children at Brunswick and St Michael’s primary schools in Brunswick.

Mrs Ward said it was important to hear what the young people thought about their town so it would reflect in the signage they would grow up with.

“They are the inspiration for what I will create in the artwork,” Mrs Ward said.

“Children are centred on having fun and I really want to bring in an element of that.

“The challenge now will be to bring it all together and still have that fun and fresh element.”

Two matching entry statements were installed on South Western Highway at the north and south ends of Brunswick by artist Celestin Hutchinson in 2011.

The entry signage at the northern end of Brunswick was damaged when an allegedly stolen car crashed into the sign in November 2017, the driver walking away with only minor injuries.

Council staff contacted Ms Hutchinson soon after with a view to commission her for the rebuild, but she no longer lives in Australia.

The project was advertised for tender in June.

Harvey shire chief executive officer Annie Riordan said she looked forward to seeing the design.

“We are pleased the artist has engaged the primary school children in Brunswick to provide input into the new entry statement,” Ms Riordan said.