The completion of Rochester’s silo artwork is still more than a week away, but the massive murals are already attracting plenty of sightseers.
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Kate Taylor, from the Rochester Business Network, said there were a lot of visitors stopping by the silos to admire the art, but plenty of locals, too.
“The community is really proud of what we’re doing here,” Ms Taylor said.
New learner driver Harry Ward and his mum Cate took inspiration from the artworks and decided to drive the Silo Art Trail as a fun way to build up Harry’s driving hours.
They started at Patchewollock, where a 35-metre high portrait of local farmer Nick Hulland adorns a silo, and followed the trail back home to Rochester.
Some could say they are biased, but Mrs Ward reckons her home town’s silos boast the brightest, most interactive, and most eye-catching artworks of the five they have seen.
Read more: Silo Art Trail’s fame builds | Photos
Visiting Brim – where four people stand 30 metres tall on silos – Mrs Ward spoke to some residents, who told of the difference their artwork had made to their town.
Rochester residents, too, hope the silo art will prove a boon for the town by drawing in visitors.
Ms Taylor estimated on Friday there were about 10 days of work to go on the artwork.
Artist Dvate (real name Jimmy Beattie) is in the process of painting a squirrel glider on a concrete silo.
It sits beside a metal silo which now boasts an azure kingfisher against a backdrop of the Campaspe River and the town’s iconic red bridge.
A donation box stands at the silo site, allowing for people to put some money towards the cost of the project.
Ms Taylor said everyone had found a way of contributing to the silo project, whether it be by donation or other means, which gave the community a sense of ownership of the artwork.
“It’s been a real boost for the morale of the community,” she said.
Ms Taylor thanked GrainCorp, the company on whose silos the murals are painted, for its support and providing the opportunity for the project.
Dvate started work on the project last month.
Ahead of the job, he was coy about what his final design would include, but did give some hints.
““I want to focus on native flora and fauna, this part of Victoria is so amazing,” Dvate said in early June.
“The Campaspe River provides a lot of inspiration.”
Dvate is no stranger to silo work – earlier this year, he painted a giant barking owl and a farm scene on silos at Goorambat, near Benalla.
Rochester’s silo project was announced by the Rochester Business Network in May, to much excitement from the community.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
