Artists Gabrielle Dougherty, left, and Zephlyn Neilsen will be part of the arts phase of Healesville’s new labyrinth.By Kath Gannaway
MORE than 5000 hand-painted tiles will feature in Healesville’s new labyrinth.
Mosaic artist Gabrielle Dougherty and art therapist Zephlyn Neilsen met with the Rivendell project organisers last week to look over plans and brainstorm ideas for the arts phase of the project.
The labyrinth, which will be located in parkland near the railway station, is a community project auspiced by Rivendell to promote the importance of good mental health in the community.
Project coordinator Julia Peddie said the donation by Wesley Mission Fire and Clay in Lilydale of the brightly coloured tiles was an exciting development.
To have Ms Dougherty, who is about to undertake a major mosaic project in Berlin, and Ms Neilsen on board added to that excitement, she said.
“We discussed engaging and working with local youth and schools to involve them in helping create various artistic aspects of the project,” Ms Peddie said.
“Zephlyn has had a lot of experience working with youth and wants to begin that by looking at how they want to be involved and getting their ideas, which is a really important aspect of the project.”
Ms Peddie said it had developed into an arts and eco garden project with the labyrinth as the focus and education and artistic opportunities for anyone who wants to be involved. “The mosaic seating will bring a cultural dynamism to the project and make it colourful and attractive for people,” she said.
The project is building momentum and it is a good time for people to get involved.
More money is needed and Ms Peddie said people can, in exchange for a donation, have a tile with their name on it included in the labyrinth.
Project plans and other information will go on show at the Healesville Community Market on Sunday 4 May, and the tiles will also be available on day.
Any artist who would like to be part of what Ms Peddie said is an increasingly exciting local initiative can also call in at the market, or go along to the next arts sub-committee meeting planned for the first week in June.
For more information email jpeddie@each.com.au or phone Rivendell on 5962 2388.
