Children get to showcase their colourful murals to their loved ones

Bowral artist and teacher Mary Lou Pavlovic has guided a group of children over the last few months to create their own murals, which were unveiled at her studio on June 10.

A total of 40 people came together to see 28 pieces on large-scale canvases, created by kids between the ages of five and 11.

Ms Pavlovic wanted to give children the opportunity to express themselves and improve their confidence through art.

She partnered with the organisation Bridges for Learning in Bowral, to reach children that need additional support.

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"It really did achieve what it set out to - that kids kids got self-esteem out of it and take pride in themselves," she said.

Another ambition that was achieved, was bringing the community together after the pandemic.

The project was made possible through a state government grant from the Regional Youth Office.

Throughout the classes, students got to choose their own colour palettes and subject matters.

The artist said some of the kids dressed up, parents, grandparents and family members came together, and some even brought food for the celebration.

"It was so lovely, it was just beautiful," she said.

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"It was wonderful to see the breadth and depth of thinking and colours."

Attendees who came through the studio for the Pop-Up Project over the long weekend also got the chance to admire the artworks.

Ms Pavlovic is a creative kids provider which means she accepts NSW government vouchers.

She is also holding free painting classes until June 30, as well as a school holiday camp.

Prior to teaching in the Highlands, Ms Pavlovic has exhibited work in Bali, Edinburgh, Tokyo, London, Jakarta, New York, the Philippines, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, and Wollongong.

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She has studied in Canberra, London and Melbourne, and was invited to lecture classes in the United Kingdom and the Victorian capital.

The artist was also granted a residency to complete a body of work in Bali.

She was also awarded an exhibition by the New York-based not-for-profit arts organisation Apexart, to curate an exhibition with artists who collaborated with prisoners incarcerated in Indonesian jails.

Learn more about Mary Lou Pavlovic and her programs on her Facebook page Mary Lou Pavlovic, the site maryloupav.wixsite.com/maryloupavlovic-1, emailing maryloupav@yahoo.com.au or calling 0412 609 917.

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