TWO Rupanyup residents have become part of history after their faces were painted on silos in the town.
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Russian artist Julia Volchkova has finished painting the Rupanyup mural as part of Yarriambiack Shire’s Silo Art Trail.
The mural features Rupanyup netballer Ebony Baker and footballer Jordan Weidemann.
Jordan’s father Andrew Weidemann said the family was proud to see Jordan on the silo.
“He is the fourth generation of Weidemanns in Rupanyup and the fifth in the area – the family originally settled at Marnoo,” he said.
“In the past 20 years we’ve had a big association with the sporting clubs, and the Baker family has as well.”
Mr Weidemann said the silos were a good portrayal of youth in the area.
“It’s good to see the youth of the region up there and the iconic nature of sport in Rupanyup represented,” he said.
Jordan, 16, was at football training one night when Volchkova was taking photos of players.
He said he was happy with the final image.
“She’s done a very good job, it’s very detailed,” he said.
Mr Weidemann said it was only a few days after Volchkova took photos that they found out Jordan was chosen to be the face of the project.
“When she was taking photos there was a public meeting happening at the football club, so it wasn’t much of a secret who it was going to be,” he said.
However, the family were sworn to secrecy until the project was finished.
Mr Weidemann said Jordan was taking his new fame well.
“He’s getting a bit of kick back from his friends about it, as teenage boys do, but the family is very pleased to see him up there,” he said.
“It’s really nice.”
Mr Weidemann said the silos had already bought lots of people to the town.
“There have been groups of people and caravans coming to see the silos – it will certainly boost the economic value of the town,” he said.
“Silos are iconic in the region, but most of them were sitting idle.
“Now they are back on everyone’s mind.”