By TANIA PHILLIPS
Pic: Tweed Coasters Gillian Grove and Zoe Thompson work on their interactive mural.
WITH more than 80,000 visitors expected for Cooly Rocks On this year, it is the perfect place to showcase the young emerging talent of the region.
Wollumbin High’s Cadillac Rockers band, with an average age of 15, have already been playing to good crowds at the festival including being chosen for the launch in the beachside marquee last Friday night.
And now another talented young artist will get her turn to shine this weekend.
Kingscliff High Year 11 student Zoe Thompson has been chosen to create a special piece of art to help promote the event in the future.
Artist Gillian Grove, founder of Kingscliff Art, chose Zoe to draw the outline for an interactive artwork. The rock ’n’ roll themed piece is a banner with a ’50-’60s style figure and a classic car.
The banner will be on display at the Family Fun Zone, Zone Eight at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, at this year’s festival Cooly Rocks On is a family affair.
The Family Fun Zone will operate from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday 9 June. The area features a jumping castle, a Play Doh table, hoola hooping, arts and craft activities and art classes.
Gillian and Zoe will be on hand to supervise an interactive mural at the Family Fun Zone.
Kids will have the fun of ‘making their mark’ on the finished artwork.
“The artwork will be a combination of paint and collage using coloured paper,” said Gillian.
“We will be encouraging kids of all ages to get involved, have some fun, and be a part of the creating the artwork on a grand scale.
“Kids can come down anytime on Saturday 8 or Sunday 9 June during the opening hours.”
They will also be able to meet some of their favourite characters and friends of Cooly Rocks On and visit Side Show Alley in the main precinct.
Young competitors are welcome to take part in the Cooly Rocks On Rock ‘n’ Roll and Swing Dance Championships.
Kids up to 12 years can take part in the junior section; 13 to 17-year-olds can compete in the young adult category.
For more on Cooly Rocks head to page 23.
