New art installation celebrates beauty of iconic wetlands

Image: QVMAG community art installation on display at the Tamar Island Wetlands Information Centre. 

A new community art installation has launched this week in celebration of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary wetlands.  

Located at the Tamar Island Wetlands Information Centre, the two ceramic stacked sculptures showcase various aspects of the wetlands, including animals, insects, and fauna.  

Developed as part of a community art workshop at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, participants took inspiration from the exhibition Wetlands, highlighting the important role wetlands play in our global ecosystem.  

Creative Arts and Cultural Services General Manager Shane Fitzgerald said the community art installation was a brilliant way to highlight the beauty of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary.  

“This community art installation is a great way to celebrate the importance of the kanamaluka/Tamar Estuary within Tasmania's ecosystem," Fitzgerald said.  

“Wetlands has been an extremely popular exhibition while on display at the Museum at Inveresk, which has highlighted the level of community interest in the conservation of this habitat for generations to come.  

“I encourage everyone to make the most of this brilliant, free exhibition before it closes on the 31st of this month.”   

QVMAG Education Officer Evelyn Williams said the workshop series offered a fun and creative experience in response to the wetlands.  

"It's always great to bring community together through art workshops like this," Williams said.   

"Our exhibition Wetlands at the Museum offers a real deep dive into the diverse ecosystem that lives within the Tamar, and it has been a great inspiration for participants".  

"This temporary public art installation at the Tamar Island Wetlands Information Centre is a fun and creative way to showcase our wetlands to locals and those visiting Launceston, and we’re very happy to now be sharing the final result.” 

Workshop participants Julie Wickham and Stephanie Honey said they enjoyed the collaborative process of this community art project at QVMAG.  

“I have enjoyed and learnt so much during my involvement in the Wetlands: Ceramic Sculpture workshops,” Wickham said.   

“Joining with others to produce a collaborative artwork through the sharing of ideas and working towards a common goal was fabulous and I'll be on the lookout for other avenues to work creatively with other artists.” 

With Stephanie adding that said she loved being a part of a project that blended environmental awareness with community art.  

“Magic happens when you put complete strangers together who enjoy these things, with the collective inspiration, care and joy of our natural places & got to learn more about the Wetlands in the process.” 

The community art display will be on display from Thursday 21 March 2024 at the Tamar Island Wetlands Information Centre.