Subject of Portrait Mural Announced
21 July 2021
BRUSH strokes are well and truly under way, with Claire Foxton due to complete the highly anticipated “Face of Inverell” portrait mural in Evans Street by the end of the week, but the question is: who will it be?
Chair of the Inverell Shire Council Public Art Committee, Cr Anthony Michael was eager to announce the individual who had been chosen to feature in the mural next to the Inverell Art Gallery.
“The Public Art Committee has chosen Mrs Elizabeth Connors as the subject for the mural. Aunty Elizabeth worked in her quiet but determined way for inclusion and reconciliation, and thus contributed to the social cohesion of our community. She was a dignified lady who was a recognised community leader.”
Melanie Blair, who nominated her grandmother for the portrait mural project, says Aunty Elizabeth was a cherished and loved Aboriginal Elder within her family and the Inverell community.
“I had never heard Elizabeth say a bad word about anyone. I believe her kindness was the best quality about her and why so many people respected and loved her greatly,” she said.
“Elizabeth had a pure heart of gold and believed in treating people equally. I am proud and honoured to call this beautiful lady my grandmother.”
Cr Michael says the committee has future public art projects in mind, to feature the faces of the other mural finalists, including Brian Baldwin, (Edmund) Norman Ditchfield, Harry Fay Senior and Ben Wade.
“The Public Art Committee received many meritorious nominations for people who made economic, social or environmental contributions to our community. The interest from the community in recognising the achievements of these citizens and former citizens has encouraged the committee to look for sites to showcase these nominees.”
“The use of a water tower or a historic wall trail in the CBD is being investigated,” he said.
Ms Foxton’s artwork is expected to be completed by the end of the week.
For more information about the public art projects that are planned for our shire, phone Council, stay updated on Council’s Facebook page or subscribe to their monthly e-newsletter on Council’s website.
Image: Artist, Claire Foxton, and Chair of the Public Art Committee, Cr Anthony Michael, are pictured in front of the, now colourful, canvas in Evans Street.
For further information contact:
Fiona Adams | Inverell Shire Council | PO Box 138 | Inverell NSW 2360 | 02 67288288 | Fiona.Adams@inverell.nsw.gov.au
