Local artist splashes all things community at new Norlane Vinnies

A vibrant mural from Geelong artist Vikki Clissold features in a new-look Vinnies at Norlane, which officially opened to the public earlier this month.

Senior figures from Vinnies, including EGM of Commercial Services Jeff Antcliff and Head of Commerical Services Liz Randle joined Mrs Clissold in unveiling the new mural at the official opening of the facility on Tuesday, February 14.

The piece of artwork is located in the front of the store and captures the ongoing relationship between Vinnies and the Geelong community through depictions of children playing, customers dropping off boxes, volunteers smiling and laughing as well as plenty of colour to represent the happiness that Vinnies provides.

According to artist Vikki Clissold, the mural was said to celebrate community, customers and all the behind the scenes work that goes into a Vinnies shop.

“I wanted to depict that Vinnies is somewhere for everyone to come and a mix of all diversities and age groups have been represented in the mural,” Clissold said.

“Having worked in retail most of my life, it helped me to reference what community is all about, and what being a people’s person entails.

“I absolutely loved doing the mural and if I can make people smile, that’s my aim!”

Vinnies Victoria executive general manager of commercial services, Jeff Antcliff said Clissold’s work perfectly encapsulated what Vinnies represents.

“When people come to Vinnies we want them to be happy, and I think Vikki has captured that,” he said.

“We try to give each Vinnies shop it’s own feel and personality and this mural certainly gives it a local and personal feeling.

“I love the Spiderman feature and the kids diving into the boxes, its unique and shows off what a childhood is all about.”

Mrs Clissold’s work can also be found at Belcher’s corner on the prominent Moorabool and Ryrie intersection and also on the main streets of St Leonards and Belmont.

The Vinnies Norlane store is open to the public from 9:30am-5pm Monday to Sunday and can be found at Tenancy 2, 21-31 The Boulevard, Norlane 3214.