Mural brightens Long Beach
Visitors to Long Beach in Simon’s Town can expect a colourful welcome after an artist brightened up three outbuildings with a marine life mural.
Fish Hoek artist Gillian Waldeck is busy completing the large-scale mural, which covers the pump house and ablution facilities, as part of an initiative to revitalise the area.
Ms Waldeck said she was approached by Simon’s Town philanthropist Richard Ganter, who had been looking for an artist to undertake the work.
They submitted a proposal to the City for a permit and it was granted. Preparation work on the mural started about two weeks ago.
While Mr Ganter is the main sponsor of the project, she said, several other members of the community, including children from various areas, and the City’s marine coastal management department had made the project a success.
“I’m so grateful for the encouragement and support,” she said.
During the Echo’s visit on Friday, February 21, children participated by painting some of the sea creatures featured in the design.
Ms Waldeck noted that workshops on environmental awareness and painting would follow as part of an educational initiative surrounding the mural.
With a background in fine art, illustration, and textile design, Ms Waldeck has been painting murals for around a decade in both commercial and residential settings.
“The encouragement here has been amazing, and I’d like to thank everyone who created this opportunity,” she said.
The mural is expected to be complete in about a week.
Mr Ganter said he wanted to uplift the Long Beach area and buildings to show the spirit of the people who use the beach - fishers, swimmers, divers, surfers and more - and promote environmental awareness.
“A wonderful outcome has been achieved with great positive mural art paint giving a warm welcome to all who use Long Beach. We are very grateful to all who support this initiative,” he said.
