Art project takes flight

Birds of many different feathers will flock to the Mahurangi East Community Centre next month for a community art project. Members of the public of all ages are being invited to paint one of the 150 native bird cut-outs, which will eventually adorn six large pre-painted plywood panels. The project is being coordinated by local artists Shelly Gray and Desiree Alexandre, with funding from Creative Communities and support from the Mahurangi East Library, Warkworth Engraving and Resene. Gray hopes the project will raise awareness about the need to protect the environment for native birds.

“We want people to have a fun art experience, but to also come away with a conservation message,” she says. Fact sheets about birds will be available.

When all the birds are painted, they will be affixed to the forest panels which will then be displayed at various locations around Mahurangi area.

Last year, Gray did a similar community project at Snells Beach, but focused on the sea.

The event is free and will run from 10am to 4pm, from July 3 to 5.