Trees popular choice for Peregian’s ‘big canvas’

THE votes have been counted and the winning artwork that will take pride of place on Unitywater’s Peregian Beach Reservoir has been selected.
Of the four options put to the public vote, Peregian Beach artist Colin Passmore’s work “Peregian Stand” was chosen as the clear favourite.
The artwork, depicting a stand of melaleuca (paperbark) trees, captured 234 – or 38 per cent – of the 614 total votes.
The second most popular choice was “Sunrise” by Michelle Spencer with 165 votes (27 per cent); followed by “Cloudburst” with 149 votes (24 per cent), and “Water to Wallum” with 66 (11 per cent).
Winning artist Colin said the opportunity to have his artwork installed on the reservoir was really exciting.
“I am thrilled that so many people like it and want to see it in such a prominent position,” he said.
“I usually do pretty large artwork, three or four metres square; but nothing on this scale (70 metres by 10 metres). It is a great honour to have my art displayed so publicly.”
Mr Passmore, who has been exhibiting and selling artworks since 1982, is well-known for his paintings of melaleucas.
“It was a natural fit for my artwork,” he said.
“Ultimately its design is to blend in to look like it was meant to be there in that environment.
“I can see this reservoir from my street, and my friends and neighbours enjoy the view on their daily walks.
“Having been on the Coast for 32 years, I have driven past the reservoir countless times, and have often thought it could make a great canvas.”
The winner’s announcement is the culmination of a four-month community consultation on the project, which is part of Unitywater’s Graffiti Prevention Program to beautify reservoir exteriors and deter vandalism.
Voting was conducted online and at information displays in Peregian throughout October.
Unitywater community relations specialist Kate Cash said Unitywater was overwhelmed by the community’s interest in the project.
“The resounding feedback from local residents has been that they have really appreciated being involved in the project’s direction, the artwork’s design and the final voting process,” she said.
Installation is expected to commence later this month by not-for-profit public art agency Jugglers Art Space.
A selection of Colin’s paintings can be found on permanent display at the Nissarana Gallery, 5 Hastings Street, Noosa Heads.