7 days ago
Mosaic mural blesses primary school
Spearwood mosaic artist Maria Russo has just completed her biggest piece yet in a 5mx2.5m mural of the Virgin Mary for Assumption Catholic Primary School.
Russo said the mural took her six months to complete and was very challenging, but she loved every minute of it. Spearwood artist Maria Russo with her piece for ACPS. Credit: Supplied
'It's just been so overwhelmingly amazing to have this opportunity,' she said.
'Knowing it's going to be there forever, it's my little landmark on that school and I'm extremely proud of it.'
Russo said she has always loved art and used creating as a form of therapy in 2021 after being made redundant from her job as an art teacher during COVID-19.
Since then, she has turned her passion for mosaics into a full-time business.
'As a former teacher, creating something for a school has been very fulfilling in a way,' she said.
'Seeing the students' faces while I was installing it was a really sweet thing. They were so precious and it was very humbling.'
ACPS principal Miranda Swann said Russo's artistic vision beautifully captured the school's connection to St Mary. The mural in its early stages. Credit: Supplied
'The mural of Our Lady was created as a sacred and reflective space for our students and wider community — a place to pause, pray and feel connected,' she said.
'This mural invites us all to live with compassion and purpose, deepening our commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of every child.'
Ms Swann said it was important to the school that the mural was created by a talented WA artist.
'We wanted the design to use a medium that would stand the test of time and speak meaningfully to our students,' she said.
'Maria perfectly interpreted that vision and it's been an absolute delight to see the reaction of our students viewing the mural for the first time — their faces have lit up in awe at the intricate detail and eye-capturing colours of Our Lady.'
