Benalla Ceramic Mural
The Ceramic Mural began as community art project in 1983, integrating the skills of ceramic artists, architects, and the wider community. It was officially opened in 2010 by Mayor, Cr Bill Hill after 27 years in the making.
Set against the attractive foreshore of Lake Benalla, the mural invites passers-by to rest and reflect, with seating and space for children to play.. It is an open-air gallery representing hundreds of people.
The project was initiated by local community organisation, Forum, and supported by Local, State and National Governments, Australia Council funding enabled the appointment of Judy Lorraine as Artist in Residence in 1985. Judy created the model and architectural drawings which the work has followed. David N Moore served as Project Coordinator, and David W Moore as Education Officer during the Mural's planning stages.
For more than 20 years Judy Lorraine and David W Moore remained actively committed to the development of the mural. Contributors to the Mural have included nationally significant artists, 1000 regional students and countless volunteers. The mural has integrated the skills of traditional potters, the vision of indigenous people and the passion of guided amateurs, young and old.
The Upper Terrace
Offering a view across Lake Benalla, this section highlights handmade ceramic paving and wall tiles. Visiting and local ceramic artists produced designs within the wave form tile.
The Amphitheatre
This small circular performance area is paved with hand made hexagonal tiles and is surrounded by tiered bull-nose bricks. lt seats around 100 people.
The Frieze WallThis major section was developed between 1985 and 1986. Victorian TAFE Institutes created the sculptural wall and the ceramics were manufactured and fired at the Benalla Airport Huts workshop.
Turquoise DomesThe turquoise glazed ceramic domes mark the ideal spot for a 360 degree view. The domes are also access points to one of two thongaphones, a series of sculpted pipes tuned to a pentatonic scale and played with a thong.
The round seat at the mural entrance is capped with a glazed ceramic spire.
Location
4 Bridge Street East, Benalla 3672 Map
