David Booth, also known as Ghost Patrol, has been a full-time artist for about 15 years. Though he grew up in Tasmania, he now lives in Melbourne.

Booth has done quite a bit of teaching and workshops for both children and adults, so when he was approached by Scotch Oakburn to work with students, he accepted.

"The first major [artwork] was a large mural at the middle school and a smaller version at the junior school," he said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Students can step into [the practical work space] where it doesn't feel like a normal class."

Booth said he, the students, and one of the teachers did a lot of design and drawing, and talked about what they saw the mural being.

"It was a collaboration," he said.

"Art isn't always about the end product, but the process."

With 170 people contributing to the work, Booth said the mural facilitated student voices.

"It doesn't look like my work, it looks like the student's work," he said.

"It was based around some of the school ideals and their passion for environment and leadership, and an outward look into the community as well."

The work Booth was helping the students with started last year but when COVID-19 got in the way, the rest was postponed until this year.

However, the mural work was not the only thing Booth helped the students with. He also did work in the classroom, mentoring year 11 and 12 students.

"Going through that one-on-one thing helping broaden their horizons," he said.

"I found that really rewarding."

Booth said it was really important students met artists to break down barriers and stereotypes.

"When I was a student I hadn't met an artist," he said.

"I think it's important for all people, not just students [to meet artists]."

The artist said the experience was positive, and he enjoyed working with the school.