A series of artworks, featuring the theme of reconciliation, have been officially unveiled as part of the new Peak Hill Community Wall installation in the Commercial Gardens.
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During the 2017 National Reconciliation Week celebrations, Parkes Shire Council engaged local Wiradjuri artist and Peak Hill resident Scott 'Sauce' Towney to produce artworks that were transferred onto nine composite panels to form the 'Parkes Shire Plus'.
Mr Towney specialises in drawing and pyrography and creates art from an Indigenous perspective, and has made a major contribution in our community by creating artwork that helps in the preservation of culture and symbols of the Wiradjuri nation.
He has been a finalist in the NSW Premier’s Indigenous Art Awards and has completed many commissions.
Sauce experiments with a variety of materials as a base for his contemporary style of Indigenous art.
Chair of the Parkes Shire Cultural Advisory Committee, Councillor Barbara Newton said the development of public art in Peak Hill expands and complements the public art trail that was created in Parkes last year.
“It will provide a focal point for Peak Hill residents, whilst engaging the interest of visitors and adding to the colour and feel of the main street,” she said.
Whilst Reconciliation Week is important to Sauce, he believes that the focus on closing the gap should be continual to ensure that we can all live in harmony.
“Art brings people together, and if my art can just get one person on board with closing the gap, then it's fulfilling its purpose,” Sauce said.
Having his art acknowledged and displayed locally ticks an item off Sauce's bucket list.
“It's nice to be finally recognised in the town of Peak Hill, where I was born and live. It really means a lot to me.”
Council have worked with a range of local stakeholders to produce the installation.
It is one of a series of public artworks to be installed throughout the Shire to further enhance its public art trail and the vibrancy of our various communities and townships.
The Reconciliation Week project was made possible thanks to funding from the Federal Government under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy Culture and Capability Programme.