Muswellbrook’s Andrew Davis has donated a large art piece to Muswellbrook South Public School (MSPS), which was made out of four canvasses that he worked on with kids from the school several years ago.

He said it’s taken a while to put the final touches on it, but is pleased to give the painting back to the place where it was made – and can be marvelled at by hundreds of impressed students.

The donation is part of a larger program Mr Davis is participating in.

And, he’s just hoping to spread a good message while he does it. 

“My main motivation and interest for doing these projects is just giving everyone a fair go and treating all people as equals,” he said. 

“Also, giving everyone equal opportunities to do something interesting or different or amazing with their life and, hopefully, inspire some people, too.”

He admits some were discriminated against from an early age and wants to ensure the children at MSPS know that anyone is capable of having a major impact on the world.

“It’s important that we’re not judging people or assuming that people are not capable of doing thing that other people are going to find value in or that will benefit on the community,” Mr Davis said.

“My particular interest is people with disabilities, myself having dealt with disabilities and mental health, and my other main interest is transgender people and not judging them.

“A lot of them have very hard lives and a lot of them are homeless because they’re discriminated against.

“So, by doing works like this, we can educate the community and say we’re an important part of the community.”

MSPS stage 3 assistant principal Sarah Winning said the school was delighted to have the painting, dubbed The Journey Home, and thanked Mr Davis for his work.

“Andrew had done a fantastic job with putting the final touches on the project,” she said.

“And, for him to do this and bring it back to the school is a great way for our students to have the work on display in a mural that will hang proudly for all to see.”

She thinks the pupils will be ecstatic to have the piece back; and added those who were involved in its creation in 2015 would be pleased to see it again.

“I think the kids that did the project will get a real kick out of it and will be a great thing for other students to see for years to come,” she said.

The donation will add to the collection of Mr Davis’ works, as another long-spanned canvas titled together already sits outside the school’s office.