Local artist James O’Hanlon has started painting one of a series of murals set to add a splash of colour to the Armidale Mall and its laneways as part of a New South Wales Government funded project by Armidale Regional Council and Renew Armidale.
Mayor, Ian Tiley said the project was a great way to add some vibrancy to the central business district (CBD).
“Public art is a fantastic way to breathe life into a space and make our CBD more inviting.
“Council and Renew Armidale chose James for his creative and colourful designs that will liven up the arcade and hopefully have positive impacts on the businesses operating within the arcade.”
The designs for the murals celebrate the diverse birdlife that calls the Armidale region home and include the regent honeyeater, the king parrot, and the superb fairy wren.
In his submission, O’Hanlon said the design builds upon the avian theme already present in the area through existing murals, and complements the nearby buildings.
“The clothing on the birds reflects the art deco stylings of nearby architecture including the Tattersall’s Hotel opposite the arcade,” said Mr O’Hanlon.
“People can pose for photos with their feathered friends, share them online, and enhance the reach of Armidale’s new avian citizens far beyond just the mural wall.”
Another mural is set to be created on the wall of the BooBooks laneway next to the Tattersall’s hotel. Charlie Nivison, otherwise known Sillypear, will join Christian Peterson, also known as CRISP, to collaborate on the project.
The murals project falls under the Armidale Mall and Laneways Beautification Project, funded by a $60,000 Streets as Shared Spaces grant from the State Government.
