By Sally McGlew
A MIDLAND public art project is almost finished after a community painting day at Weeip Park, with Perth artist Haylee Fieldes, also known as Fieldey, engaging local residents and teenagers to help design and paint a mural across the youth zone.
Due for completion in mid-2021, Weeip Park is the first major open space in New Junction, the City of Swan’s re-development in the Midland CBD.
Fieldey said the mural had been designed to encompass ideas offered from local youth who were asked to come up with memories of Midland and things they would like to see on the wall that would make them feel welcome in the space.
“A strong theme running through the replies was connection – both connection to Midland, but also to each other and their families.
“Midland Gate featured in a lot of the replies because it is a space where young people go to connect with their friends and family.
“Connection in the literal sense of Midland’s physical location as a transport hub, but also as a place where people connect with each other was also important,” Fieldey said.
Memories have been supplied by individuals to form a story trail across the artwork that people can follow and read.
The far right-hand side of the piece is bigger and less detailed, representing the encroaching bush and farmland.
Above all Fieldey said the mural invited people to come and connect with it – to take a closer look and think about their own Midland stories.
Work on the mural is continuing and is expected to finish next week.