Illuminated sculptures capturing “the character and spirit” of rural people will welcome travellers to Winchelsea, Surf Coast Shire has announced.
The Dusk and Dawn artworks of Benjamin Storch and Matthew Harding would be installed at Winchelsea’s east and west entries, the shire said.
A Winchelsea entrance sculpture steering committee chose Dawn and Dusk from a short-list of three submissions for the installation.
“After visiting the area and speaking with community members, the artists were inspired by our natural landscape, particularly the Barwon River corridor and wildlife,” committee chair and councillor Heather Wellington said.
“They describe their artwork as representing a connection between the natural environment and the nature of community. It’s a perfect fit for Winchelsea.”
Cr Carol McGregor, who was also on the steering committee, said the sculptures would be lit at night.
“It adds another element to the works,” she said.
The shire said an artist concept statement described the installation as “large-scale and dynamic”, capturing “the character and spirit of people who live and work in rural communities”.
A display of the three short-listed entries attracted comments from “more than 50 people”, Cr McGregor said.
“We had some fantastic feedback.
“One member of the public described Dusk and Dawn as graceful and elegant, while another person believes that it looks to the future and is inspiring.”
Also on the steering committee were “local artists, a sculptor, VicRoads representatives and … council officers”, the shire said.
“The panel has come to an excellent decision that I believe, the community of Winchelsea will be happy with for generations to come,” said committee member and Lorne Sculpture Biennale founder Graeme Wilkie.
Work on the sculptures would begin after an artist was appointed to build them, the shire said.
