Leah Grant painting a school mural on a brick wall on scaffolding. — Photo by Stephen Ludwig from Ludwig Films

During 2023 - 2024 I was invited as an artist in residence at Cardijn College in Noarlunga Downs, South Australia. This project has been unique because not only did I have time to brainstorming with students, run aerosol workshops, and install the mural with them, but the students also took the lead in requesting funding and permission from the school leadership.

During my time at the college, I have worked closely with the art department and particularly with Art Teacher, Marianna Mastrapasqua who supported the students and organised the project.

Photo by Stephen Ludwig from Ludwig Films

My experience at Cardijn College was wonderful. I’ve found the students and staff to be extremely welcoming and eager to have colour added to their campus.

While visiting classes, it was evident that this is a thriving creative space, where students wellbeing is central to the learning.

The college has a remarkable art space with abundant natural light, textiles, visual art, and design opportunities for students.

I applaud Marianna for her infectious enthusiasm for work on display in the school and community connections.

During the mural installation, the students were expectedly thrilled to paint on the wall, but also the Marist Centre (students with disabilities) IT staff, Maintenance staff, Head of Campus, and resident Nun were all invited and eagerly came to make their mark.

The final mural design includes several important symbols that connect with the school's values. On the left are three gum nuts with the text, “See, Judge, Act” the school’s motto which the students were eager to have included. The three gum nuts also represent the trinity, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Behind that, you can see blue swirls, representing the ocean and on the right is the land with blooming leaves and patterns. This a quote from Joseph Cardijn (who the school is named after) is across the top of the mural.

“You are worth more than all the gold in the world.”

— Joseph Cardijn

This was specifically chosen by the students who wanted to bring this positive message to the school. In the lower right corner a stencil of “40 Years” has been included to celebrate the college opening in 1984.

I’d like to especially thank Marianna for going above and beyond in her hospitality and putting in so much work to enable this project for students.

Special mention to Year 12 students Taylor and Matthew who were integral in installing the mural and who I saw put so much attention to detail and painting skill development.

Also, well done to the Year 12 students who took on the ownership of this project and confidently took it to leadership and made this project possible.

Thank you to Jason and the wonderful Maintenance Team at Cardijn College for helping with the scaffolding and wall preparation.

Thank you Stephen from Ludwig Film for documenting this project and providing many of the photos in this blog.

“The benefits of this artist in residency went beyond learning painting skills and allowed the students to learn about the process of creating a public art piece and the value in making something with a community. Students grew in confidence and were inspired by the experience. This has been opportunity for students and staff to work together building competencies in communication, group work, developing leadership skills, and creative thinking.
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— Cardijn College Art Teacher Marianna Mastrapasqua