FOLLOWING Waikerie’s popular silo art, several more murals are set to brighten the town and follow the ‘Healthy River, Healthy Community’ nature theme.
Three street art murals will be painted around Waikerie, with the first to start next week in the form of a popular global interactive art trend known as “angel wings”.
Project co-ordinator Donna Matthews said three Waikerie business owners have given permission to transform their blank outdoor walls into works of beauty.
“We’re continuing the silo art theme of ‘Healthy River, Healthy Community’, and the projects will feature habitat indigenous to the Waikerie area,” she said.
“The first art to begin will be by Renmark artist Jacqui Mason, who is known for her angel wing art and was the perfect artist for the project I had in mind.
“I’m a fan of street art and have followed the worldwide angel wings project for some time. It’s an interactive form of street art that engages and entertains the viewer, allowing them to actually feature as part of the art.
“Jacqui has adapted this concept and made it unique by featuring a local wildlife species in place of the angel wings.”
The wings will be inspired by a local native bird – the yellow rosella.
Mrs Matthews said a larger mural will be painted by Jimmy Dvate, an artist behind one of the Waikerie silo artworks, and the third is yet to be announced.
“Jimmy can’t wait to get started, but is currently restricted by border closures,” she said.
“The street art project came about when I decided to apply to the Loxton Waikerie council for the 2019 community support funding.
“I applied for $30,000 and was instead offered $10,000 if I could raise $10,000 myself.
“Thanks to the generosity of a handful of local businesses and service clubs, this has been achieved.”
Mrs Matthews said street art is popular and a great tourist draw card.
“The more we can share on social media, the more we are sharing Waikerie with the world,” she said.
“I invite locals to come and view Jacqui as she works the week starting Monday, June 22, in the Waikerie White Street carpark. Due to the cold mornings hindering painting, Jacqui suggests afternoons are the best time to come.
“I hope this is the start of more art for our community.”
Follow the Waikerie street art journey on Instagram @waikeriestreetart.
Follow Jacqui Mason on her Facebook page @jacquimasonart.