A SPLASH of colour so joyful it could only come from the hearts of children now fills the Springs Medical Centre.
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The five-year project, featuring 24 collages by Daylesford Primary School pupils, is designed to lift the spirits of people when "they need colour the most" and provide visual art resources to local children.
The group of grade three to six students were each given a black and white photo of themselves to transform into a colourful self-portrait.
Daylesford artist Petrus Spronk opened the gallery and thanked the pupils for their healing artwork.
"It is easy to see why your work is so wonderful," he said.
"This is a space without colour, designed by grown ups... who should know better. Grown ups who are obviously afraid of colour.
"I'm glad you're not."
He said the visual poetry would start the healing process for those suffering - while reflecting a positive future.
"You have created the feeling the world is in good hands, and that when we older folks leave it and you take over, at least you will know about the importance of colour," Petrus said.
"You will get rid of this fascination with dull grey that seems to be the present favourite."
The exhibition is the brainchild of Dr Beth Quin, who says the students’ artwork transforms the medical centre.
As part of the project, the school will also receive a $3000 annual art bursary to support the refurbishment of the ceramics art program.
"It's very important for our young people to get good visual arts resources and not miss out," the centre's general manager Lynda Poke said.
"This is all part of offering that to the children and engaging with the community."