Mosaic sculptures to colour the walls of Currie Park

There is a lot of cutting and shaping going on at Currie Park, OCAV’s Euroa village, thanks to resident artist Gillian Coates.

She and other residents – Margaret Pimlott, Margaret Hedland and Gillian Allen - are working on three mosaic panels which, once complete, will adorn one of the walls in Currie Park. The panels will be a welcome addition to the sculptural garden art which is already in place near the village’s fish ponds.

The idea to create a mosaic feature wall was always in the back of Gillian’s mind.

“Some people might be daunted by mosaics, but once they start and gain more skills, they love it. Creating mosaics is deft and painstaking work,” Gillian said.

The mosaics feature a dragonfly, a gecko, and a community gathering inspired by Aboriginal art.

“Each has a complicated pattern but with perseverance and laughter, we are getting there,” Gillian said.

The tiles have been donated by Bunnings Shepparton, and the panels are recycled shower doors that were bound for rubbish or recycling until spotted by Gillian. The shower doors had been removed during an upgrade of several Currie Park unit bathrooms. Where someone saw rubbish, Gillian saw an opportunity.

The residents are guided by Gillian and have recently been joined by artist volunteer Julia Jones.

“There was an initial reluctance because mosaics are fiddly, but as we all grow in learning how to use the cutting tools and have fun in placing the tiles, our confidence grows as well,” Gillian said.

Gillian has always loved painting and drawing. Although she has no formal training, she has drawn all her life.

“It is grounding and a lot of fun,” she said.

The Currie Park art group is looking to recruit new members from in and around the community. The group meets regularly in the village’s community room on a Monday – and follows strict COVID-19 safe protocols.

Anyone who is interested in joining and learning more should ring Yvette, the Village Coordinator, on 0431 750 603.