The weekend workshop, run by urban artist Darren Hutchens, allowed six members of the community to spend their weekend sharpening their painting skills, learning new techniques and tips and giving one of the City’s bus shelters a makeover as part of the City’s Adopt-a-Stop program.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the project was part of the City’s initiatives to help beautify the municipality. “The Adopt-a-Stop program aims to create a ‘sense of place’ and cultural identity within the community,” he said. “It also enlivens and enhances public buildings and spaces and creates a sense of community pride, which leads to a reduction in the level of graffiti.”  

The participants spent the first day of the workshop working on design ideas for the bus stop before going over some basic painting techniques using brushes and aerosols. On the second day they met at the bus shelter to execute their designs.

The City of Melville Adopt-a-Stop program received a $15,000 grant from the Office of Crime Prevention to assist with the delivery of a series of Adopt-a-Stop workshops throughout Melville. Another workshop took place on the weekend of the 22 and 23 November 2008.  

Anyone interested in taking part in a workshop or wishing to paint their local bus shelter with friends or family is encouraged to contact Community Development Officer, Hannah Katarski on 9364 0650.

For more information on the Adopt-a-Stop program visit www.melvillecity.com.au/arts-events.