Dan Ilsey gifts charity mural after work experience

Thornbury’s famous pay-what-you-want eatery received an “incredibly awesome” gift this week, following a lengthy secret project. And now they’re calling for a big-hearted tradie to help them give it the recognition it deserves.

Lentil As Anything runs a pay-as-you-feel restaurant and food rescue supermarket.

An “absolute dude” embodying the spirit of Lentil As Anything has gifted the charity organisation a giant mosaic mural.

Fitzroy High School student Dan Ilsey completed work experience at Lentil As Anything Thornbury and chose to make the artwork for them as part of his VCAL studies.

Dan worked for four months on the project as part of his VCAL studies.

The charity restaurant runs off a pay-as-you-feel model and has a food rescue supermarket.

Fitzroy HS teacher Louise Speirs-Bridge said Dan planned the secret four-month project as a thankyou to the store.

Lentil As Anything manager Dayle Jones said Dan, who has Down syndrome, was an “absolute dude”.

“He was your ideal volunteer — just gorgeous,” she said.

“He was such a sweetheart and just really represents our values and what we’re here for.”

The food rescue supermarket turned one in July. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Ms Jones said they had no idea what Dan was up to until a teacher from the school got in touch to schedule the presentation.

Dan presented the mosaic to the store at a special lunch on September 5.

Ms Jones said she wasn’t at all surprised at Dan’s talents given the enthusiasm and energy he showed during his placement.

The artwork takes elements from other mosaics and art in the restaurant.

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Ms Jones said they had a lot of ideas on where to put the “incredibly awesome” piece, but it would ideally be embedded into the floor for everyone to see on entry.

“It’s just such a centrepiece and the love and the strength and the heart and everything he’s put into it — it just covers what we’re about,” she said.

Ms Jones asked anyone with the talent to install the work in their concrete floor to reach out.

@richardapearce