Charlee Hazlett and Ellavetta – “not only adorable, but entrepreneurial’’
Sometimes a sweet little story deserves big-time treatment.
So it proved with one of the most striking murals to emerge from this month’s South Sea Spray street art festival in Winton.
SwiftMantis (Mikal Carter) of Palmerston North, who in late 2022 painted the celebrated Strangs cat on Invercargill’s Esk St WEA building, has this time turned his talents to the story of young Charlee Hazlett and Ellavetta.
Charlee was just 4 when she and her little sister Greer were gifted pet lambs.
Charlee raised Ellavetta to be a prize-winner and now, at 8, she has a flock of 85, which she manages with Greer – officially registered as Hazlett Southdowns under C&G Hazlett.
Seeing herself up there on the wall – “it’s really cool’’, Charlee said.
She was also impressed that SwiftMantis managed to get Ellavetta’s wool just right.
“I go to St Thomas Aquinas in Winton and my class has just walked around all the paintings,’’ she said.
When they got to hers – “they really liked it’’.
Central Southland College principal Grant Dick said the project stood as a reminder of the community spirit and the importance of nurturing shared spaces.
“The incredible talent and creativity of the artists involved have not only brought beauty and vibrancy to our surroundings, but have also sparked a sense of pride amongst us all,’’ he said.
“I believe the breathtaking murals will become part of Winton’s identity and will have a lasting impact on our community.’’
Charlee Hazlett and lamb, Ellavetta in front of the mural in Winton.