Wren & Friends: Blue Wren Mural in Wodonga

A Community Mural Celebrating Local Wildlife

During my six-month full-time mural artist contract with Wodonga City Council in 2021–2022, I developed and delivered a series of public art projects across the city. One of these was Wren & Friends, a blue wren mural painted on Henri's Bakery in Wodonga, which became one of ten murals created during the program.

The project began with a site visit to a busy laneway filled with pipes, poles, doors and windows. Rather than seeing these obstacles as limitations, I used them to inform the composition, transforming what had been a dull, high-traffic space into a colourful artwork inspired by the local environment. I also wanted the design to be accessible enough for community members to get involved in the painting process, making the mural something the community could help bring to life.

Bringing Wodonga's Blue Wrens to Life Through Public Art

Blue wrens were a natural choice for the subject. These small, characterful birds can often be spotted around the area and are well loved by the local community. I photographed the birds around town and used those references to develop a concept that combined wildlife realism with a bold, approachable design.

Once the concept was approved, the mural came together over five days, combining detailed bird painting, large areas of colour and the careful integration of the surrounding structures. The project also included a community painting day, giving locals the opportunity to contribute to a lasting piece of public art in their own neighbourhood.