Maldon Inc is presenting an art installation comprising of 17 life size kangaroos and six joeys to be showcased in selected shop windows during the Maldon in Winter Festival 2023 from June 23-July 9.
Secretary of Maldon Inc Pamela Jewson said the unique Kangaroo Art Project is a first for Maldon. “We invite everyone to come to the opening on Friday June 23 at 5pm in support all of our fabulous artists.
Starting at Bank Corner, High and Main Streets, Maldon we will feature Didge Circle performing didgeridoo, Dr Mark macropod vet from Red Box Wildlife Shelter will open the installation and trail maps will be issued to spot each of these wonderful art kangaroos and meet the artists,” Pamela said.
The aim of the installation is to instill connection and respect for these sentient beings and acknowledge our volunteer wildlife rescue network.
At the end of the Maldon in Winter 2023 Festival, the art kangaroos will be auctioned with the proceeds gifted to www.redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au
Project Coordinator Felicity Howard project coordinator said they have been overwhelmed with the response of the artists, local traders and wider community around the art installation.
“There are 13 diverse artists, plus contributions from Maldon, Elphinstone and Newstead Primary Schools along with Mount Alexander Girl Guides, Castlemaine Scout Joeys and the North Melbourne Football Club (kangaroos) who are generously creating the installation,” Felicity said.
Feature artists include Trace Balla, Robyn Riley, Troy Firebrace, Eliza Tree, Rocky and June Huxley, Sally Andressen, Anne Borg, Jennifer Barnett, Stephen Phyllis, Rachel Devine and Ros Young, Carlo San Giorgio, Julie Patey and MANet Arts Focus Gallery, Kim Devenish and Castlemaine artist Eliza Tree.
Eliza has created “Spirit of Kangaroo” – in memory of Elizabeth Gould.
This important piece has thoughtful meaning and will proudly be displayed in the window of Watermark 28 Main Street, Maldon.
“My painting is reflective of the early images and records of Kangaroos and Macropods portrayed through the images and descriptions by John and Elizabeth Gould, on their visit to Australia in the 1840’s,” Eliza said.
“We now recognise and appreciate the significant contribution Elizabeth made towards these beautiful, sensitive, and accurate depictions. They represent a valuable record of the diverse range of Macropods’; Kangaroo, Wallaby, Wallaroo, Bilby, Antechinus, Dasyures etcetera – too many of which are now rare, vulnerable, endangered, or Extinct.
“I feel so happy and proud to be involved with the Maldon Kangaroo Art project, to remind our communities of their presence and importance in our unique landscapes, and their vulnerability into the future. And the important work by voluntary rescue groups like Redbox Wildlife Shelter, in caring for our injured wildlife,” commented Eliza.
“It’s all of our responsibility, to care for Country and nature, now, and into the future.”
Following on from the Art opening Maldon Inc will officially launch the 2023 Winer festivities at a free Winter Solstice bonfire to take place next to the Men’s Shed off Phoenix St Maldon, featuring music by James Rigby, pagan rituals, a BBQ and mulled wine.