A Rotorua art student's geothermal-inspired mural design is now enhancing the Ranolf St skatepark.
The Rotorua District Council asked local artists to submit ideas for a new mural at the skatepark, with $1500 being allocated for the commission.
A design by Waiariki Institute of Technology student Jacob Chrisohoou was a clear winner with judges. The council's community arts officer Marc Spijkerbosch said judges found Mr Chrisohoou's concept most closely incorporated the design brief, which was "a theme relating to Rotorua - culture, heritage and/or environment".
"Jacob made clever use of local imagery to help form the name 'Rotorua' and the overall piece has an exciting geothermal resonance. This is a high-profile site in our city and we're pleased this fantastic mural will continue to be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.
"Interestingly, Jacob played an integral part in the painting of the skatepark's previous mural which involved a number of local youth painting under the direction of American artist Eric Orr."
The timing of the new mural coincided with Rotorua Museum's exhibition "Surface Treatments: The Art of James Turkington" which opened on July 10. The exhibition celebrates one of the country's most prolific mural artists.
