Shellharbour City Council is pleased to announce the completion of a new mural at Oak Flats Library.
Renowned artist Sarah McCloskey, the talent behind the original mural on Oak Flats Library’s Fisher Street (north) façade, has once again been commissioned to complete new mural.
The mural features the word ‘LIBRARY’ as a prominent placemaking feature. The crisp straight lines of the lettering are surrounded by fluid and organic shapes and motifs that beautifully tie into the existing artwork on the northern side of building.
“The wattle blooms and leaves, acacia seed motifs and flame tree silhouette will connect the new mural to the existing mural on the north façade. Undulating lines that span the length of the wall are drawn from aerial maps of the shoreline of Lake Illawarra, near Oak Flats.” Artist Sarah McCloskey said.
Shellharbour City Council Mayor Chris ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾r said the new mural responds to customer feedback about the library’s main street visibility and signage.
“Sarah McCloskey is an amazingly talented artist; she was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 Archibald Prize for Portraiture.” Mayor ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾r said.
“The new mural will enhance the visibility of the library within the Oak Flats town centre and provide artistic signage that will boost community awareness that the library is housed within” he said.
He also commended the artist for cleverly extending the existing mural to enhance wayfinding to the library, underscoring Council’s commitment to facilitating high-quality art opportunities that reflect the unique character of the city.
This new mural at Oak Flats Library is a testament to Shellharbour City Council’s dedication to enriching the community’s cultural landscape and supporting artistic talent.
About the artist
Over the past decade, Sarah’s practice has evolved from studio illustration and painting to include large scale public murals, but her focus on people, place and stories has remained at the centre. Sarah was a finalist in the prestigious 2023 Archibald Prize for Portraiture, and currently works from her private studio in Marrickville, Sydney.
Media opportunity
When: 3.30pm Thursday, 18 April 2024
Where: Oak Flats Library, Central Avenue, Oak Flats
• Mayor Chris ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾r will be attending along with artist Sarah McCloskey. There will be an opportunity to get pics/footage of new mural.
