The Shire of Ashburton is disappointed that artist Guido Van Helten is not continuing the mural on the Onslow Water Tanks.
The Shire of Ashburton along with the community and our project stakeholders were extremely excited when this project commenced in March, following the restrictions and delays last year due to COVID-19.
Council’s vision for the artwork was for a visual interpretation of our community’s history and a reflection on our past to modern day acknowledging our Indigenous heritage, our pearling and agriculture industries and those stories that make Onslow the authentic coastal town it still is today.
On recommencement of the project this year, the Onslow community welcomed Mr. Van Helten, sharing their stories, their day-to-day experiences and their lifestyle with him to create a concept for the tanks.
Council were pleased with aspects of the initial interpretation presented in April and then met with the artist to further enhance the theme in line with the initial vision, and one that better portrayed the identity and culture of the community.
However we later received correspondence that he was not prepared to modify the design as he believed the amendments and feedback requested were not in line with his artistic style.
A report is being prepared into the future of the mural project and will be considered at the May Ordinary Meeting of Council later this month.