A new garden at Guyra Central School has been unveiled to commemorate the life of local Guyra artist Brian Irving who died late last year.
The Brian Irving Commemorative Garden, commissioned by the school, includes three artworks which were designed by the artist and symbolise the school’s core values- pride, respect and responsibility. The garden is located at the front of the grounds, where the school’s 322 students are dropped off by parents and buses each day.
The school has also installed three similar pieces on the wall of the school hall in a prominent position above the stage.
“It is a constant reminder to all students and their families of our core values and an acknowledgement of the wonderful collaborations between an outstanding local artist and the school,” Guyra Central School Principal, Michelle Nicholson said.
Irving had a long association with the school, with many of the hallways adorned with his large original artworks. He was also keen to work with the students whenever he could, hosting art workshops for students from kindergarten through to year 12.
More than 60 families attended the opening of the garden, including elders, community members and relatives of Brian Irving.
Brian was a regular exhibitor in art shows throughout the New England and wider region and was a finalist in the Parliament of New South Wales Indigenous Art Prize in 2005.
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