KEEPING its sights on the community in Wallan, the Wallan Eye has celebrated its 20th anniversary.
In the heart of town at Hadfield Park, the Eye was constructed 20 years ago through the collaboration of Wallan Primary School kids and artists to create a structure with great significance still today.
Each of the 400 tiles on the project were hand crafted by students to create a powerful image that overlooks the community.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall was joined at the celebratory event by the Cr Claudia James who was initially involved in the art project in 2006.
“For two decades, the Wallan Eye has watched over this community. It’s a reminder of who we were then and who we continue to become,” Cr Dougall said.
The Eye was initially one of seven public artworks commissioned by the council’s ‘getting involved’ team prior to the 2006 Commonwealth Games celebrations as the baton came through Wallan on tour around Victoria.
Original artist Paul Robinson was joined by art teacher Sue Masto from the Wallan Primary School 20 years ago and it was a gathering of celebration to remember.
The current school captains, vice captains and assistant principal from Wallan Primary School were there collaborating with new possible ideas to go alongside the Eye.
Cr Dougall was impressed with the condition of the Eye, and said it’s a piece of art the community feels they own, quite literally, they helped create it.
“We are focused on building and sustaining a network of creative arts infrastructure across the Mitchell Shire,” he said.
As for the Eye, it continues to stand strong as a major creative pillar for the shire and the people of Wallan.
By Cooper O’Brien
