Surfboard artists wanted for Landcare fundraiser

A BELLS BEACH local is on the lookout for up-and-coming artists from across the Surf Coast to feature in a creative project which aims to give back to local landcare groups.

Environmental conservation advocate Kami Strutt has acquired the help of prominent Surf Coast artists to design new works by using recycled surfboards as a canvas.

All proceeds acquired at a future ‘showcase evening’ will be split between the artists and local Landcare projects.

“One of my projects I have been doing for a while has been recycling old boards, because most people who either chip or break their boards send them straight to landfill,” Mr Strutt said.

“So, after de-glassing them and recycling the foam, I found I had a lot of boards that were still in one piece and of decent quality and I didn’t just want to get rid of them.

“Instead, I thought if we got some local artists who needed some work and funding then we could use their creative skills to pull together this big showcase.

“There is a lot of passion on the Surf Coast when it comes to land conservation, but government funding is limited and extremely difficult to obtain.”

Mr Strutt said the works would be featured as part of a “celebration” after all of the donated surfboards were designed.

The evening will include the finished artworks, live music, raffles and special guest speakers.

It will also give those in attendance a chance to meet representatives from local conservation groups and hear about future projects.

“This artistic project is the perfect chance to create some community awareness about some of the challenges local land conservation groups are facing and educate residents on what they can do to help,” Mr Strutt said.

“If some of the artwork is completed before the showcase, which I imagine taking place in two or three months, then we can have it on display in some local cafes and galleries.”

Representative of local restoration group Rewilding Freshwater Creek Mary Rose

Coleman said there is a lot of interest and excitement surrounding conservation on the Surf Coast.

“Our group has more than 300 people involved in it and looking at some of the work related to this project, it’s easy to see that there are so many people who are concerned and wanting to do something,” Ms Coleman said.

“At our recent Spring Creek celebration, there were a lot of excited people there wanting to protect Spring Creek moving forward, it’s great to be a part of something.”

Local artists confirmed to design surfboards include Sharryn Jenkinson (Porta Vermelha Studio), Mark Noel, Jessi Rebel, Emily Wright, Amber Louise and Jesse Griffiths.

Artists interested in featuring in the artistic surfboard showcase are advised to get in touch with Kami at thespiritoftheocean.com/contact or The Spirit of the Ocean on social media.