Art bringing community together at Mossman Support Services

COMMUNITY

Karlie Brady

Journalist

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Artists Margaret Rocky, Janine Paterson, and Rose Watts, with Councillor Abigail Noli at the unveiling. Image: Karlie Brady.

Local artists have created two new pieces of art which now decorate the walls of the community ‘Hub’ at the Mossman Support Services centre.

The new art mural titled ‘Reflections’ created by artists Margaret Rocky, Janine Paterson and Rose Watts, with help from community members, was unveiled earlier this week.

“The artwork was designed to reinvigorate our Community Art Group `Muruku’ post-COVID closure and to develop a beautiful piece of art that depicts community connections, reflections, inclusiveness, diversity, services, and friendships,” said Jill Bradley, Mossman Support Services Community Development Officer.

The `Muruku’ Art Group have been established at Mossman Support Services for over 10 years and over that time have produced a number of creative art pieces, including the successful `Indigenous Early Readers’ in 2019.

One half of the new art mural titled ‘Reflections’ created by Margaret Rocky, Janine Paterson and Rose Watts, with help from community members. Image: Karlie Brady.

Ms Bradley said following the COVID-19 lockdown, the centre decided to apply for funding through Council’s Community Grants Program to reinvigorate the group and encourage community participation.

“The application was submitted in September 2020 and prior to that, discussion on what to do and the theme of the artwork was discussed with the Artists.

The funding from Council made the project possible and Regional Arts Development Fund Committee Chair and Councillor Abigail Noli was a special guest to unveil the artwork.

“It was a 16-week project with six weeks of community participation, which included a few community members who stayed on to assist the artists to finish off the mural,” Ms Bradley said.

One half of the new art mural titled ‘Reflections’ created by Margaret Rocky, Janine Paterson and Rose Watts, with help from community members. Image: Karlie Brady.

“The theme of a `vignette’, a short descriptive literary sketch, was developed by Janine and together the three artists worked to produce the murals.

“The artwork represents our community services, the people, the activities, the services and how we all come together to share stories, learnings and develop friendship.

“It’s been such a collaborative piece and everyone is very excited about the final result. It will add such colour and warmth to the building and what the place represents.

“I feel privileged to have been a part of this artwork and I hope everyone who visits and uses the space feels a connection with their community through this artwork,” Ms Bradley said.

The new art mural titled ‘Reflections’ created by artists Margaret Rocky, Janine Paterson and Rose Watts, with help from community members, was unveiled earlier this week. Image: Karlie Brady.

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