A Christchurch artist who donated a hand-painted mural to the Shirley community is urging those who stole the painting to return it to its rightful place.

Vanessa Heaver painted the mural in December 2021, as part of a project for the Shirley village.

It was installed at Macfarlane Park.

“It was to help cheer kids up on the way to school. I donated this work to them. It took me a month to paint and it was revealed on January 2022.

Vanessa was asked to paint something that would include the community.

“So I created little creatures that were hidden within my painting for children to find.

I wanted to make it fun for them, so if they had a hard day at school they could come to my painting and play a little game – it was my way of creating some fun for the community.”

Vanessa said as a child she loved imaginary creatures, especially fairies.

“In a way this painting also took me back to my childhood which is why it means so much to me.”