Shellharbour commuters will soon experience art with heart, as award-winning Sydney-based artist Sharon Billinge brings her distinctive, community-focused works to bus shelters across the city from February to April.
The latest instalment of Shellharbour City Council's Art in Unexpected Places program features Sharon's site-specific designs that explore people relationships and the stories that connect us. Known for her collaborative approach Sharon works closely with communities to create murals and artworks that reflect local history, shared experiences, and social themes.
Caption: Sharon Billinge's works will feature in bus shelters across Shellharbour as part of Council's Art in Unexpected Places program. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
The Art in Unexpected Places program features a new artist quarterly to provide ongoing opportunities, as well as display visual delights for visitors and locals to connect with.
Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer praised the initiative for continuing to enrich public spaces.
"The Art in Unexpected Places program keeps surprising and inspiring our community. Sharon's work is thoughtful and engaging and we are proud to showcase her talent in Shellharbour," Mayor Homer said.
Sharon said her practice is about more than aesthetics it is about building connections.
"Public art can transform spaces and spark conversations. I love working with communities to create something meaningful that reflects their identity and values," Sharon said.
Bus shelter artwork locations are as follows:
• 211 Princes Highway, Rotary Park, Albion Park Rail
• Shellharbour Primary School, Mary St, Shellharbour
• Lake Entrance Road (Wattle Road Intersection)
• 128 Shellharbour Road, Warilla
Caption: Sharon is a British born Sydney-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores people, relationships and community.
To stay updated on upcoming artist opportunities or to explore previous works featured in the program, visit the arts and culture section of Council's website.
Sharon is a British born Sydney-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores people, relationships and community. She is best known for her collaborative mural projects which transform public spaces and often involve local residents in the design and painting process. Sharon holds a Masters of Research from the Victorian College of the Arts and has exhibited widely across Australia including solo shows at The Centre for Contemporary Photography and WestSpace Gallery in Melbourne.
To explore Sharon's work, visit her website.
KEY MESSAGES:
• Award-winning artist Sharon Billinge brings community focused site specific artworks to Shellharbour bus shelters as part of Council's Art in Unexpected Places program.
• The project transforms everyday infrastructure into meaningful art experiences that celebrate connection and creativity.
• Shellharbour City Council continues to support local and national talent enriching public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
