General News
15 March, 2023
Vibrant mural now drawing in visitors
THE newly completed mural at Terang Information Centre has begun catching the eyes of passersby thanks to a collaborative effort of community groups.
THE newly completed mural at Terang Information Centre has begun catching the eyes of passersby thanks to a collaborative effort of community groups.
Glenormiston-based artist Jess Fowler completed the new artwork last week, which has already shown a return on investment with visitors to the region stopping for a closer look.
The project began as a concept through art group Arts.Comm, according to member Jo Kenna.
“The project began with just chit-chat after one of our new residents to Terang visited the information centre and didn’t find a lot of information, but did find the centre to be very bland,” she said.
“We wanted to brighten up the centre and approached Rotary, who thought it was a great idea, so we put together some draft designs and approached Jess Fowler as she had won People’s Choice Award at the Terang Art Show.
“We wanted to respect the town’s indigenous history so the theme was the meaning of Terang (Twig with leaves), and Jess has done a wonderful job incorporating flora and fauna as the design.
“It’s been a great community effort, and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
Funding to cover commission and materials was sourced via the Terang Community Op Shop and Terang Noorat Arts in the Avenue, with both groups delighted to see the finished result.
“It looks terrific, and we’re seeing travellers through our town stop to have a look,” Terang Community Op Shop project manager Andrea Balcombe said.
“We’re always happy to support anything which benefits our community so we’re happy to be involved.”
Terang Noorat Arts in the Avenue member Janet Cronin said she was delighted to see the artwork drawing people in for a closer look.
“I’ve never seen anyone stop there before, and I think there was no reason to stop at the centre before this happened,” she said.
“It’s just beautiful.”
In addition to the painting of the exterior, Arts.Comm members have begun updating the information in the building’s interior.
Information on the development of the mural, the history of Terang and a large number of clippings from the Terang Express documenting the town’s news are now all on display inside.
New additions to the interior are now regularly being made, including St Thomas’ Primary School students creating shamrocks to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this week and the town’s rich Irish heritage.
Members from the Rotary Club of Terang helped to wash down the structure and apply a base coat before Ms Fowler began the process of painting.
The information centre mural was her largest design yet after painting her first mural on the side of Fraz Family Pharmacy in December 2021.
“It’s always nerve-wrecking waiting to see how people will respond to a completed piece but I am so happy and proud to see how much the community has enjoyed the mural,” Ms Fowler said.
“I’m chuffed to have been asked to do it and I enjoyed getting to have a chat with so many people who stopped by while I was painting.”
Ms Fowler said she was grateful to all involved for trusting her with the project.
“Thank you to those who assisted with the funding and coordination of this project,” she said.
“I am so happy to have been able to create something for the town. It was a beautiful experience.”
Ms Fowler wanted to further involve the community with the piece, and this week engaged primary schools in Terang to give students the opportunity to name each of the animals pictured on the mural.
