Shire of Dardanup reveals the first artist to contribute to developing the Ferguson Valley public art trail

Plans to develop a public art trail for the picturesque Ferguson Valley are one step closer to fruition with the Shire of Dardanup revealing the first artist to have a featured art installation.

South West multi-disciplinary artist Andrew Frazer has been revealed as the creative that will design and install the first stop along the trail, with installation set to begin next month.

The full art trail will have 15 public art installations throughout the Shire and will provide local artists with an opportunity to contribute their creative flair to the region through a range of mediums including sculpture, mural painting and photography.

The first piece, set to be located at the Pile Road pull-in bay and based on the theme of “Grow”, will be a circular steel sculpture, inspired by the community, lifestyle and site itself.

Mr Frazer said the design process began with a study of the site and its surrounds.

“Being a South West artist, this site spoke to me personally and my connection with this community on a deeper level,” he said.

“The lifestyle, community and celebration of the Ferguson Valley is represented in the art and sculpture — a nod to the growing wine industry within the Ferguson Valley and a nod to the lifeblood of growth — water.”

“I want to represent both of these forms and give the community an interactive piece that serves as a frame for photos and the beauty of the valley itself.”

Dardanup Shire president Mick Bennett said the Shire was “happy to give our local arts community opportunities to develop their skills and also be seen and celebrated by visitors and locals to the region.”

Along with the Pile Road photo pull-in bay, 13 other locations within the Ferguson Valley were identified in the concept plan as other opportunities for public art to be displayed, including the Dardanup Centre, Joel Court, the Wellington Discovery Forest, Crooked Brook Forest, St Aidan Church and the Wellington Dam Forest entry.

There was also a strong interest from business owners in the Ferguson Valley to include artwork on their premises.

Located between the Wellington Dam mural and Bunbury, the Ferguson Valley has been identified as an area of growing tourism potential with its picturesque natural surroundings complemented by boutique wineries and breweries.