New murals celebrate community values at Balhannah Oval
A vibrant new series of murals has transformed the Balhannah Oval Toilet Block, thanks to the Elevate + Create 2024 Youth Arts program.
The project showcases the artistic talents of eight young creatives from the Adelaide Hills, who have captured the essence of community life in Balhannah and Oakbank.
A Collaborative Artistic Vision
Guided by artist Wendy Dixon-Whiley, these emerging artists aged 25 and under, participated in a series of workshops featuring guest speakers from South Australia's arts industry. The program provided mentorship, career development opportunities, and the chance to create a public artwork reflecting key community values.
Themes Represented in the Murals
Each artist selected a theme that represents a core value of the local community:
- Agriculture and Horticulture: Group project
- Conservation of Wildlife, Nature, and the Environment: By Ned Miller
- Wellbeing, Physical and Mental Health: By Sahara Trevisan
- Social Spaces and Recreational Facilities: By Monica Loubser
- Events, Food, and Wine: By Hamish Butler
- Sports and Fitness: By Leo Bawden
- Arts and Culture: By Kara Timmins
- Local Products, Markets, and Supporting Local Businesses: By Elsie Davis
- Preservation of Heritage and History: By Jack Jenkins
- Community Connection: Community Blackboard
A Community Effort
This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of Oakbank Area School, which provided art room facilities for the workshops. The project was proudly funded by Council, reinforcing our commitment to fostering youth arts and community engagement.
The resulting murals now stand as a testament to the creativity and dedication of these young artists and their commitment to celebrating the spirit of their local community.