By KATH GANNAWAY
THE steps of the Warburton Waterwheel complex will provide the canvas for a large-scale mosaic that is being hailed as a future icon of the town.
The first workshop for The Great Steps of Warburton was held last week with community members creating mosaic panels, featuring local wildlife.
Warburton’s natural beauty and wildlife have inspired the design which will flow up the staircase as a reflection of the Yarra River and the flora and fauna of the area.
Mila Males from Three Bridges and Zoe Hickey from Warburton were among the aspiring mosaic artists attending the first workshop on Thursday 10 April.
Mila said she was looking forward to seeing her panel as part of a bigger project.
“You can do anything with mosaics and it will look amazing,” said Zoe, who is also keen to see the finished project.
Project facilitators Sioux Dollman, Sandy Peeters and Aileen Wright said they were inspired to create the project by international community mosaic projects and would share their artistic and technical skills to inspire community members of all ages to join in.
“The Great Steps of Warburton is a way of meaningfully engaging the community to create something that brings sparkle and magic to the town,” said Sioux, who is a renowned local mosaic artist with works at Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Park as well as in the Yarra Valley.
Co-facilitators Sandy and Aileen said the vision for the town was to be known as beautiful, artful and edible. They said the project would connect vital aspects of community life including the rail trail, new skate park, community gardens, Visitor Information Centre and the village green.
More than 300 people are expected to attend the free workshops from school children to members of community groups and traders.
“We want kids involved so they have a feel of ownership about it, and it is also an opportunity for people who don’t belong to any organised groups to be involved in a significant community project,” Sioux said.
Warburton Community Bank’s Geoff Vickers said the bank had contributed $5000 towards the project.
“We’re extremely happy to be involved,” he said.
“I think it will be an iconic project for Warburton.
Workshops will be held throughout April and May, including as part of the Warburton Harmony Festival from 16-19 May. For information, contact Sioux Dollman on 5966 5936.
