Art banners bringing colour to the street

SIX double-sided banners will soon be hung from tall poles in Smythesdale, illustrated and designed by local people.

GP Arts Inc president Barry Wemyss has led the public art initiative to engage artists and town residents of all ages, see them collaborate, and bring some more colour to the streetscape.

“I grew up in Smythesdale hence my interest in enhancing the town’s development and community engagement,” he said.

The banners are a COVID-recovery community project, funded by a $3800 grant from the Shire and State governments, which visual artists Kate Wise, Billy Blackall and Deb Chapman have contributed to, alongside user groups of the local equestrian facility, and pupils of the Woady Yaloak Primary School Smythesdale campus.

Once they are up, passers-by will notice iconic imagery; symbols, flora, and locations of the town.

“Everything’s oriented around the Smythesdale landscape,” Wemyss said.

A magpie, which is the original Smythesdale Football Club emblem, an illustration of the school, someone riding a horse, bunya and gum trees, a platypus in the river, the rail trail, flowers of the district, and the old post office are just some of what can be seen throughout the six compositions.

Wise has been a major part of the project, digitally designing the six different banners, and bringing all the unique pieces of art together on the printed final products.

The banners will be displayed at the Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta in February before they’re hung.