Sara Fernandez Unveils Award-Winning Mural in Grey Lynn

9 May 2019

Auckland artist, Sara Fernandez, has unveiled her award-winning mural on the Youth Line building in Grey Lynn.

Sara was one of ten winners from across the country who took out the top prize in Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s (KNZB) Nature Murals competition 2019.

The mural, titled ‘Grow’ highlights Sara’s passion to create a better environment for the community and youth.

In her submission Sara said: “I strongly believe that beauty can inspire people to feel loved and to grow. And interestingly, growing then creates the opportunity for more beauty. I feel like Youth Line inspire people to grow and become the best version of themselves.”

Sara was quick to complete her mural, choosing to do it on a long weekend when the Grey Lynn street was quiet. On completion of the mural Sara said:

“I was very excited and scared at the same time of painting this huge mural, I had to deal with weather and height and I wanted the result to look perfect. I had to plan the process well so I could move the scaffolding easily. Now I feel very proud and happy because everybody at Youth Line loves it.”

The Nature Murals competition, which is part of the Paint New Zealand Beautiful programme, sponsored by Resene ran from February – April 2019, with artists encouraged to submit mural designs which included an environmental message. Artists from around the country sent in their designs, with the top ten murals selected based on their environmental message, enhancement of the community, and originality/creativity. Winning designs receive a $1000 grant, along with a $750 Resene paint voucher and other materials to paint their mural.