A talented east Auckland schoolgirl has taken out a nationwide competition that will see her winning artwork permanently installed at her school.
Year 6 Owairoa Primary School pupil Nicole Large is the overall winner of a competition run by the Carus Commercial Painting Group which was open to schools across New Zealand.
Her winning drawing features native New Zealand birds working together to build a nest.
Owairoa Primary School art co-ordinator Liz Hewlett says pupils at the school who entered the competition were asked to create an A4-sized work that represents the school best and would also inspire and motivate every student.
“Alongside the mural entry, all entrants had to write a short statement explaining their mural.
“We are so thrilled and proud of Nicole’s hard work and dedication to the arts.
“She’s leaving a lasting legacy at Owairoa for years to come.”
Nicole says her drawing depicts how working together can lead to something great or beautiful. In the design each bird is contributing, “just like humans would”.
“I’m hoping the mural will show children that teamwork is the best way to achieve a large task,” she says.
“It’s important to always remember how helping one another can be good for you, and the person you’re helping.”
She says she couldn’t believe it when she learned she’d won the competition.
“However, after finding out more on the competition, the realisation I had won began to sink in.
“I can’t wait for the mural to be painted and I’m super hyped to be leaving a mark at Owairoa for future artists to be inspired by.”
Carus Group marketing manager Conor Lay says the competition saw the company run a nationwide campaign that involved sending activity books to primary schools around New Zealand.
“We received over 350 submissions from this competition and were genuinely blown away by the talent and creativity on display from the children.
“Nicole came first in our mural competition and we’re in the process of sourcing a local artist in the region to paint her mural at the school.
“Our campaign was a massive success and we plan to repeat this next year while considering our learnings from this one.
“Feedback from schools was great and we’re so delighted to hear how much the children enjoyed it.”
