A new four-storey-tall artwork that champions the Bega Valley’s natural beauty is welcoming visitors to Merimbula.
In an initiative between Bega Valley Shire Council and the Merimbula Special Events Committee (MSEC), local mural artist, Simon Thomas, well known for his work across the shire, was given the opportunity to work on one of Council’s water tanks at the town’s entrance.
“The work is about my love of the area,” Mr Thomas said.
“We always used to holiday in the area before moving here many years ago, and whenever we arrived it always felt like we were coming to a secret place.
“That’s why the design of the mural looks like you’re peering into a giant terrarium and inside are all the things that I loved about the place, including Nethercote Falls.”
Director of the South East Centre for Contemporary Art (SECCA), Iain Dawson said the mural joins other large artworks in the Bega Valley, contributing to the shire’s presence on a national art trail.
“The success of our first water tank mural project in Merimbula and Eden has driven further interest in making these murals more permanent and joining the growing number of artists working on silos and large infrastructure across the country,” Mr Dawson said.
“The size and shape of the project was perfect for Simon to use a traditional technique called trompe-l’œil, which provides the illusion of a three-dimensional artwork where the subject appears to float above and within the canvas.
“It was Kirsty Byrne and the fantastic Merimbula Special Events Committee who drove the project and funded Simon to complete the work, and we are looking forward to integrating more arts and cultural projects into the fabric of living in the shire.”
MSEC Treasurer, Kirsty Byrne said the Committee wanted to back a project that celebrated the area and local talent.
“We now have a wonderful landmark that welcomes our visitors and promotes the natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast,” Ms Byrne said.
“I was born in the area and used to go to Nethercote Falls quite a bit, and when Simon came up with the idea, the Committee was all for it.”
Bega Valley Shire Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick said the eye-catching landmark invites residents and visitors to explore the area.
“It’s fantastic that we have this work of art overlooking Merimbula and the beautiful bush surrounds that feature in the mural,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“This area has so much to offer, and just by exploring a little bit we can stumble across all sorts of gems, like Nethercote Falls.
“As we head into drier times, the mural also serves as a reminder that our water catchments are a precious resource in the Bega Valley Shire.”
The mural can be seen on the water tank on Merimbula Drive, next to the Rural Fire Brigade Building.
