Artist to ramp up Katanning skate park facelift with the help of local youth

Street artist Shah Jackey will return to his home town of Katanning next month to revitalise its skate park with the help of some talented local teens.

In February, the Shire of Katanning put the future of its skate park in the hands of its youth, calling on residents aged 12-17 to submit their designs.

Ideas were put to the public on social media before being passed on to Jackey to incorporate into a final design to be painted on to the skate park’s four ramps.

Over the next school holidays, from September 29-October 7, Jackey will work with local youth to bring their vision to life.

His colourful spray-painted designs can be found adorning concrete canvases across WA, including in the nearby towns of Narrogin and Wagin.

Since moving to Geraldton, Jackey has pursued his passion for art full-time while teaching at a high school.

His career has been focused on working closely with the community during the design and painting process to breathe new life into forgotten corners of the city.

Katanning’s Aquatic Centre and cement tanks near the mosque also show his unique touch.

Jackey said it was exciting to come back and bring new life to the Katanning Skate Park which had been a big part of his childhood.

“It’s like coming full-circle, I grew up skating the streets of Katanning,” he said.

Jackey said he hoped the project would provide an exciting opportunity for the next generation of artists.

“Hopefully this will be a wake-up call for the young creatives,” he said.

To help paint the skate park, contact the Shire of Katanning on 9821 9999.