My sojourn at the Old Birrego School as part of the CAD Factory Rural Residency program has come to an end. I will return to my life in Sydney and Vic, Sarah and Holly will continue to live in the Old Birrego School. They have now decided to open the exhibition of From Our School House again next weekend for those who missed it, and this time perhaps operate a “school bus” for those who do not wish to drive at night.
The Old Birrego School was certainly a memorable school for me. Perhaps the lessons taught in this classroom in the last two and a half weeks may have had some small effect on lives of many people who had spent time with me. Our numerous mistakes and mishaps paved the way for our teacher to come to us. Our teacher was wisdom held within the memories of this place.
Some memories held by this place came back alive through our work and we have created new memories. Vic, Sarah and Holly will continue to create new memories at the Old Birrego School. For Holly, this place will be her earliest childhood memory. As adults we all know how important that is. And strangely enough, the older we grow, the more important it becomes.
I hope one day another artist will visit the Old Birrego School and continue digging – like I have done – but even deeper – to uncover ancient memories of this place, earlier than 1886 when the Old Birrego School opened. The traditional custodians of the place where the Old Birrego School stands, their memories and ancestor spirits are waiting to be remembered.
I think I remember a saying: The teacher will come in time when the student is ready to learn.
Vic, Sarah and Holly McEwan at the Old Birrego School
Mayu Kanamori
Cad Factory Rural Residency Artist Blog 
Mayu , we loved having you here and being part of our family. We miss you already.
It was an amazing time for us and because of you we understand the history of where we live. Thank you. Not many people truly understand their place and where they are in the world. I do a little more.
I love that this school building holds many fond memories and brings joy to people when they reminisce about their time spent here. That makes me happy.
Vic, Holly and I love living in Birrego. What a lovely thing that the school has been reborn as a family home, where all our memories will be stored.
My favourite book is ‘Anne’s House of Dreams’ from the Anne of Green Gables series. It’s my favourite book because Anne has just married Gilbert, they move away from Avonlea, they have a baby and new adventures with new people, locals in the area. It’s sickly romantic. And has been my secret dream life from a girl. How funny that that is now my life, a beautiful dream life with Vic and Holly. ‘Sarah’s House of Dreams’.
The future of this school house is bright.
Thank you Sarah for having me at the Old Birrego School – your house of dreams. 🙂
Very very special.
Love to Vic and Holly and to you.