For Mount Maunganui artist Paul Darragh, his seventh mural has a special significance.

He’s one of five artists chosen to create oversized art at this weekend’s first ever Tauranga Street Art Festival which runs from March 21 - 23. 

“This mural will be a real privilege because it’s on Tauranga Art Gallery,” he said.

“As an artist, the gallery is an incredible hub, a real staple in the community. I’ve been part of an exhibition and had a solo show there, so it’s a real honour to have something that will be up there for quite a few years at our gallery.”

Darragh’s use of abstract, geometric shapes is a style that’s instantly recognisable.

“I want to evoke energy and joy. When people look at any of my murals, I want it to feel invigorating; to have a kinetic energy to it.”

To Darragh, the shapes and colour combinations create different vibrations.

“On this one, I love blue and orange together,” he said, referring to his mural outside Forty Thieves barber shop on Mount Mainstreet.

“It creates almost a buzzing feeling when you’re looking at them.”

Darragh began work on the 13-metre high art gallery wall today, and will finish the “nocturnal feeling” design by Sunday, March 23.

A bridge

“It’s wedged between the black of the art gallery and the olive green of Sugo restaurant, so it’s a more subdued palette. I still want it to look like my work but I want it to be that bridge that connects those existing features.”

From today, the public can walk the festival trail, watching the murals take shape.

Tomorrow, Saturday, festival-goers can enjoy interactive artist talks, roving performers, giant bubbles, live music with Tauranga Samba band and local 3D artist Jamie Harkins creating an epic 3D chalk masterpiece.

Craig McClure, festival organiser and director of Lighthouse Creative Productions, said 77 Bay of Plenty artists put their names forward, which was easily enough to do a festival.

“But as a curator, I like to have a smorgasbord approach so that there’s something for everyone.

“From Paul’s “op art” abstract style to some with more realism in their work. Erin Forsyth, for example, is a nature illustrator while Haser and Elliot Mason have more narrative and graphic art styles and Jasmine Kroeze has more of an interior designer aesthetic with a focus on flora and fauna.

“It’s quite a spread of styles and within a festival that’s important.”

Public engagement

McClure hopes it’s the first annual event of its kind for Tauranga.

“For me the success is simple; it’s beautiful art, but public engagement is the best way to show this is something we want to keep doing. It’s a free event that’s accessible to all, so come along and enjoy the festival.”

The Tauranga Street Festival Art Trail is: 64 Elizabeth St painted by Haser, 1 Elizabeth St by Elliot Mason, Jasmine Kroeze is working at 80 Devonport Rd, Tauranga Art Gallery on Willow St painted by Paul Darragh and 108 Devonport Rd’s artist is Erin Forsyth.

See more at: www.whatsontauranga/streetartfest