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Micaela Van den Berg’s Resene mural livening up Dargaville Public Library

17 Nov 2022

There is no such thing as tūī-many colours when it comes to Micaela Van den Berg’s award winning mural which has livened up the town of Dargaville.

Micaela’s inspiration for her design ‘Sunrise’ was to bring something light and bright into her town. The new mural, which brightens the community library, faces one of Dargaville’s main roads, intriguing onlookers and inspiring locals.

As one of ten winners who took out the top prize in ‘Keep New Zealand Beautiful’s Resene Nature Murals Competition 2022’, Micaela’s mural features a tūī proudly astride harakeke/flax surrounded by an iconic sunrise.

Dargaville Public Library expressed their appreciation and love for the new mural, which has jazzed up the public building in town. The team at the library hope it inspires many more artistic locals to express their creative talents throughout town.

Micaela says she adores libraries, and the mural was a pleasure to work on.

“I love libraries, especially my local thanks to the amazing, wonderful staff who make this public space such a pleasure,” she says.

"It's about bringing the community together and giving them something to smile about."

Studies show public beautification projects like this not only enrich our daily lives and wellbeing but also help to foster connections among local residents and bring a community together.

"There is quite a strong community of photographers here, and I see so many beautiful photos of the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets over the Wairoa River and Kaipara hillside."

Micaela’s truly amazing mural has brought this vision to life using a large collection of vibrant Resene paint colours and iconic New Zealand native flora and fauna.

Dedicating her time and passion to teach art to others, Micaela believes in the positive, healing, and growing affect art has on people, no matter their age, ability or background.

“Art is a way to connect with others and oneself, and to grow into the person you might want to become. I believe everyone is an artist, if only they have the space, tools and people to help them get there” she says. 

Her new venture Studio Muse will help others looking to pursue a creative outlet and explore art.

‘Sunrise’ by Micaela Van den Berg, painted in Resene Crusoe, Resene Wham, Resene Tree Frog, Resene Sunrise, Resene Rouge, Resene Bullseye, Resene Jalapeno and Resene Banana Split.

Published: 17 Nov 2022