Bold mural unveiled at the Vine

IF you’ve recently driven along Myrtle Street, you may have noticed a new bright and colourful piece of public art.

The Golden Vine Hotel is the latest building to exhibit local pop artist Chris Duffy’s work.

Owners Kevin and Maddi Skone said they were keen to engage a local artist to create a large piece of work not only to catch the eye, but to express the pub’s history.

“We wanted a mural that will make people stop and consider what it meant, something that represented our venue and all we encompass, that was also abstract enough to be thought provoking,” Ms Skone said.

“The piece that has been created will offer unique interpretations for everyone who sees it, it does not just provide a set narrative or promotion for our venue.”

Golden Vine is one of Bendigo’s most popular venues and Ms Skone said the mural reflects on the pub’s values of live music and community connectedness.

“As Bendigo’s most loved home of live music we knew this needed to be the main focus, we also discussed including community and inclusivity in the mural,” she said.

“We discussed the Vine as being a meeting place with a rich history of long-lasting friendships and more than a few love stories. The couple in the mural and the word ‘LOVE’ incorporated this idea perfectly.”

Chris Duffy, of Ha Ho Art, has had his work displayed all over town, and according to local public space activator and artist organiser Reece Handy of Nacho Station, Duffy was the perfect artist for the job.

“We engaged Chris Duffy for this project, as his style is perfect for what The Golden Vine were looking for. Double bonus is that he’s a local artist too,” he said.