29 June 2026
Former Glencoe Primary School student, Brayden Strack, has returned to the school to paint a bright mural on the Kindergarten building.
The new mural takes inspiration from local birds.
Featuring birds that inhabit trees and shrubs found around the school, the mural was created after staff and the P&C expressed interest in adding a native mural.
Principal Kylie Loney said they had approached two other artists for quotes and designs before coming across Mr Strack’s work.
“A chance discussion between myself and one of our long-standing teachers alerted me to this incredible talent, and indeed, an opportunity too good to miss,” Mrs Loney said.
“The area chosen for our first Stracky mural is on one of the oldest buildings in the school, with plain brown brick walls, which were previously dull and uninviting.
“Not only does artwork like this beautify our school and inspire our students, staff and families, it also helps to boost student wellbeing and connection, encourages creativity, and strengthens our school identity.”
The entire two-wall mural was painted in less than six days.
Current Glencoe students were asked what birds should be featured on the mural, and magpies were the most popular answer due to the friendly family of the species that lived on the school grounds.
Students also chose the willy wagtail as there are many at the school and one of the kindy classes is named Djiti Djiti (Noongar for willy wagtail).
Mr Strack said his process to bring the students' favourite birds to life was to capture the atmosphere and personality of each bird.
“I pride myself on creating work you can feel, instead of just see, so that was my main focus,” he said.
Mr Strack said it was great to come back to the school.
“I wanted them to feel at peace in their own environment also, without taking too much away from the birds themselves.”
Mr Strack is a self-taught artist and found his art his own way.
“Glencoe sparked my love for art early on and not just in art class! Rather, the creative freedom I had in most of my classes,” he said.
“Exploration and freedom were certainly a core element, especially in my early childhood.
“It felt incredible to be asked to come back to Glencoe Primary school to paint a mural.
“The gratitude I have in my heart to be able to do this and see the smiles it brings to people truly warms my heart, it’s unexplainable. Especially seeing some of my old teachers.”
During the six days of painting, students marvelled at the mural coming to life during their break times and had the opportunity to chat with Mr Strack about his painting and what he was doing.
“All the questions and interest the students were showing while I was painting (though slightly distracting at the time) was such a wholesome experience, I couldn’t help but see little me running around asking the same questions 18 years ago,” Mr Strack said.
Mrs Loney said commissioning Mr Strack for the artwork sends positive messages to the students and families at the school.
“Our students were privileged to witness the full mural process, from applying tape to protect fixtures and fittings, and primer to the wall, to sketching the mural, applying multiple layers and finishing touches,” Mrs Loney said.
“Each time they emerged from class, they were astounded by the progress that had been made.”
“First and foremost, this project helps to prove that Glencoe kids can do anything they set their minds to. They can be anything they wish to be.
“Additionally, the mural, and Brayden's attitude toward his art, send a powerful message to our students and families that creative pursuits can be the source of great joy, admiration and fulfilment.”
Mr Strack said it’s important for students to see a wider variety of jobs.
“It encourages something deeper, something so many of us lose as we grow up. Chasing your dreams, whatever the direction,” Mr Strack said.
“Doing what makes you happy and not losing touch with that inner wonder we all have.”
You can see more of Mr Strack’s work on Instagram (@Stracky.artist).