Since February 2014 a group of enterprising and creative young adults with disabilities has been working on a community art project at Callala Beach.
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The project is now being noticed by hundreds of locals and tourists using the new Myola to Callala Cycle Pathway.
Marking the entry point to the Pathway are two vertical structures rising up out of the concrete which display four panels of handmade ceramic mosaic artwork, reflecting the flora and fauna of the immediate area
Participants of The Essential Disability Group Transition To Work program, under the guidance of local Callala artist Jill Talbot have been taking clay textural pressings from the surface of bloodwood trees, banksias and scribbly gums and shaping the pieces into images which form the foundation of the composition of each panel.
Within these clay trees will be found animals, birds, plants and reptiles which can be seen throughout the Callala/Myola region.
Once bisque fired, these clay pieces are painted with coloured underglaze and refired.
Working in conjunction with Shoalhaven High School and a local mosaic artist Lesley Oliver who offers training to these young school leavers, has provided many opportunities as they design and create “reverse pour” mosaic concrete pavers to complement the colours in the handmade panels.
More than fifty people have been involved in the design and production of the structures, and support has been provided by The Callala Beach Progress Association and Shoalhaven City Council.
The project has provided valuable training and experience for many young adults with disabilities from local high schools as they gain skills in research, ceramics, tiling, grouting, teamwork, application and confidence building.
Three of the four panels are now placed into permanent position and many visitors to the area stop to have their photograph taken standing next the vibrant and unique ceramic installation.
Funding for this community project was initially provided by Regional Arts NSW through the Regional Arts Fund, an initiative supporting the arts in regional, remote and very remote Australia, which facilitated the making of the first two panels in 2014.
In 2015 the Shoalhaven Arts Board provided additional funding which allowed the completion of the final two panels.