The latest art installation in the heart of Horsham is now underway.
Artist Jack Rowland has started a new mural on the laneway wall of Cafe Jas in Roberts Avenue – the first of three artworks to be completed in central Horsham in the coming months.
It's all part of a Horsham Rural City Council 'off-street laneway network' project funded via the Victorian Government's COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation program.
Melbourne-based Rowland, and his assistant Yuria Okamura, will take a couple of weeks to complete the 20-metre long landscape painting that will represent an Australian forest using high-key colour schemes.
"I'm very happy to be here in Horsham, it's a great place to spend some time working," Mr Rowland said.
"My style is a mix of psychedelic and realism. I hope people like what they see."
Rowland holds a BFA (Painting) from RMIT University, Melbourne. He has been exhibiting nationally and internationally including James Makin Gallery, Anna Pappas Gallery, Linden New Art, Rubicon ARI, Blindside Gallery, Flinders Lane Gallery and Kunstraum Tapir (Berlin).
He is one of three HRCC-commissioned artists currently working under leading street art company Juddy Roller.
Another artist Steve Cross will paint the the Roberts Avenue arcade between the businesses of Gypsy Willow and Imeldas while Jimmy Dvate will install artwork on the Ward Street facing wall of Horsham Newsagency at 38-42 Pynsent Street.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline said the aim of the project was to provide comfortable and interesting places within the city's pedestrian network.
"This unique project aims to encourage greater pedestrian movement through Horsham's Central Activity District with strong links into Council's Streetscape Plan," she said.
"The addition of mural work by these high calibre artists will complement a growing public art gallery for the community and visitors to enjoy," Cr Gulline said.
The three works will be completed by the end of March.
So far HRCC has used the state's COVID funding to help 34 businesses to install permanent outdoor dining infrastructure, shade, shelters and seating.
