Emu Park Swimming Complex gets a bright, bold makeover under Placemaking Program
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Emu Park Don Ireland Swimming Complex has received a welcome makeover last week, after its white-spotted walls were turned into a kaleidoscope of bright, bold colours.
Caves-based visual artist, printmaker, graphic designer Nellie Lovegrove completed the works last week, as part of Council’s ongoing Placemaking Program.
Working on a mural of this scale wasn’t new to Nellie, but each new project helps her learn more about the creative process.
“I really enjoyed this project with its unusual bright, loud colour pallet, I enjoyed the friendly passers-by’ encouraging comments, I loved the look on the school kids faces as they marched past the painting while coming up with suggestions of what to paint next, and I definitely enjoyed learning more through the work,” Nellie said.
“Creating public art is about the purpose of the area, the audience of that area and also your own artistic style. For instance Don Ireland Swimming Complex is located in an open area of natural greens and blues and home to a variety of birds. In my design I wanted to somehow gift wrap the building with the patterns made from vines in bright colours to help it stand out. And being a swimming pool, I needed the help of some swimmer figures who are jumping into the water soaking up the openness and beauty of the area.
“Art and design is my passion, it keeps me close to what I love and for me, it’s the best way to express myself and connect to others.”
Library, Arts and Culture Councillor Pat Eastwood said the mural had already been received well by local residents and visitors, welcoming another cheerful piece of artwork within the village centre.
“The Placemaking Program not only benefits our local community by creating engaging community spaces, but it also gives artists an opportunity to showcase their work in the public domain,” Cr Eastwood said.
“Since it was launched in 2017, the program has engaged with more than a dozen artists and local community groups, delivering a wide range of unique projects across the Shire that have been undertaken to add character to the community.
“Council would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the Placemaking Program, and we look forward to implementing more initiatives throughout the region in future.”
For more information, please visit http://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/1357/Placemaking-Program