Amberley Pool Mural Project
Welcome to the infomation page on the pool mural in Amberley! Youth Art Amberley (YAA) have been busy over the winter months of 2023 to create a fun mural for the Amberley Swimming Pool.
The pool mural idea was facilitated and inspired by Carrie Keith and her Youth Art Amberley group after the Children's Day celebration held at the pool. Milly, a member of YAA, and Carrie noted a severe lack of colour at the pool. They asked themselves, how could we fix that? What can we, as a group, do about it?
After researching products to use in the harsh pool environment and applying her DIY knowledge, Carrie applied to the Hurunui Creative Communities Scheme to fund the mural. The group put forward their idea to the board and was approved a budget to cover the cost of the materials.
Carrie and the team wanted a design representing the Amberley and the Kōwai area. It had to include bright colours, fun characters, be interactive and inclusive. The conceptual design meetings for the mural were lively and enthusiastic.
The team spent over 250 hours over six months to bring this impressive mural into fruition. When times got tough, the mural seemed daunting and unachievable, the group supported each other and dug deep to keep the process going. Their passion and commitment to the project is evident, resulting in an impressive mural for the community to enjoy.
With the help from Stu at North Canterbury Collision and Repairs the mural was sprayed with an anti-graffiti top coat, recommended by Tiffany from the Rangiora Resene Shop, who also gave us a discount on our paint.
The mural is in three sections:
The top section depicts Maukatere, Mt Grey, protruding out of the Southern Alps, between the Waipara and Kōwai rivers. The patchwork of the northern Canterbury plains leads up to the rolling foothills of North Canterbury. A line of pine trees and houses at the bottom frames the section and represents both Leithfield and Amberley Beach settlements. Nestled in the centre is Amberley, to the left is Leithfield and to the right is Waipara.
The second section represents the limestone seam and the ancient Rock Art found through the Weka Pass. This place was used by Māori on their journeys from villages to the hunting grounds in the Hurunui district. These drawings are a special toanga, treasure, to our area. Check it out here! In the next line are Korū waves on the stony beach representing Pegasus Bay.
In the third section, the team carfully placed lots of colourful characters, fun scenes and hidden objects, this mural has something for everyone. The addition of the QR code makes the mural interactive with the audience. We added some of our favourite cartoon characters to make it fun and interactive with children of all ages.
Can you find them all?
Terry the turtle
Wonda and Wally the Whales
Oliver and Eviler the Octopuses
Dan the Diver
Sammy and Selena the Seals
Cartoon characters, is your favourite in there?
James, Jordy and Jenniffer the Jellyfish
How many minions can you find?
Ezikiel, Elija and Elana the Eels
How many shrimps can you find?
“This project was physically, emotionally and mentally challenging but it was worth it in the end. I am glad I stuck with it.”
“This mural has given me a greater understanding about art.”
“Working with this mural has helped me realise my potential and gain confidence.”
“I enjoyed doing the mural and it gave me something to work on and think about and to look forward to. It brought the group closer because we were all working and discussing it together.”
Thank you to the following people and organisations for helping this mural happen:
Stu Forman - North Canterbury Collision and Repairs - Amberley Branch
Tiffany and Resene - Rangiora Branch
To all the firends and whanau who have supported us and added their bit to the mural
A big THANK YOU to te Creative Communities NZ Scheme
