MYRTLEFORD'S latest addition to the iconic Mosaic Trail was installed last week as the Piazza in the town's centre received a new patchwork piece, to celebrate the importance of community connections within the town.
The project began before Christmas last year, when those behind the mosaic trail - Crackpots 1 and 2 (identity a secret) - invited community groups in the Myrtleford and district area to submit their designs for a tile to represent them and be added to the finished piece.
From there, the Crackpots interpreted the designs to create the tiles for the patchwork mosaic and installed them over three days, to the delight of intrigued locals and visitors walking past the Piazza.
The mosaic was funded by both state and federal government grants, including the 2022 Kiewa Valley Flood and Landslip Event Recovery Project and the 2023/24 Storm Event.
“This new mosaic demonstrates how important being part of our community is," a recovery officer from the Alpine Shire Council said.
Latest Stories
“Either through volunteering or being part of a community group, it helps the community recover from setbacks."
A pair of new mosaics covering two benches in the Piazza were initially planned, however, with unexpected delays and engagements to install other artworks, the Crackpots are confident to install this first mosaic to make sure the grout sets properly, before returning later in the year to install the other, during warmer weather.
“The plan was to have both mosaics in place in time for Volunteer Week," council's recovery officer said.
"However, by doing only one at this stage, it has worked in everyone's favour, as we have more time for further groups who haven’t yet been represented to send in their designs.
“It's been great so far, as we've found a number of local groups we didn’t know existed."
The Crackpots worked in collaboration with another local artist - potter Alma Terra - to create the label tiles to pair with the designs.
With space for 60 tiles in total over both mosaics, the Crackpots have been amazed with the thought local community groups have put into their tiles.
"Submissions came in slowly to begin with, then people started collaborating within their community groups, which was amazing because it involved more people’s ideas for their group's design," Crackpot Two said.
"We wanted to encourage the community’s creativity and what I have liked about this project the most is interpreting the designs from each group.
"It’s afforded us the opportunity to make something we’ve never tried before, like the Vespa for La Fiera's tile, which I very much looked forward to making.
"We've been eyeing-off the benches in the Piazza for a long time."
Crackpot One said the pair both enjoy working on new pieces, even if they have to install them in all sorts of weather.
"For this project, I liked creating the circle tiles the most because they represent community connection," Crackpot One said.
"Trying to find a different pattern to structure each one was fun, because each one is different."
Crackpot Two said each project presents a new challenge.
"With this project, it’s been the bends," Crackpot Two said.
"Tiles don’t bend around the edges, but we've made it work."
The official launch of the newly installed mosaic will take place on Tuesday, 20 May, at 10:30am in the Piazza, followed by a barbeque.
To find out more, visit: https://engage.alpineahire.vic.gov.au/community-hubs/recovery-hub.
