Mount Isa Photography by Jemloco Images: Art on the Zinc Project {Mount Isa}

To celebrate Mount Isa's 90th Birthday this year (2013) - the local Council was granted funding for a public community art project, from Queensland Public Art Fund.

"Art on The Zinc" encourged local artist's to paint each zincalume (Zinc) panel of the exterior fence line of Buchanan Park (Race Club,Rodeo & Show Grounds), with the theme to highlight Mount Isa's community spirit and the 90 years that has made the town what it is today.

"This art project will highlight our region's exceptional character and culture and the pride we have in our community." Chair of the Council Owned Enterprises Committee, Cr George Fortune, is quoted in a Media Release from the Mount Isa City Council in June 2013.

As someone who has driven past these zinc panels at least three times a week since the the project started - I have to agree! I have watched with fascination and awe for the last 6 months as a new panel is painted and comes to life, with a quintessential depiction of just how great this town is.

Local Kalkadoon Artist, Barbara Sam admitted that painting on the corrugated zinc presented some challenges - but in testament to all the artist's ability, you would never guess just how hard it was.

An article relating to Barbara Sam and her contribution to the project can be read here: http://www.northweststar.com.au/story/1748985/challenges-conquered-as-stories-successfully-told-through-murals/

While taking photos of each panel last week, I was fortunate enough to meet up with one of the artists. She has worked on a few of the panels including the ones for the Police and Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) and was in the process of marking out the panels for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS).

Each panel truly reflects the organisation that it was painted for, and showcases the amazing talent of each artist.

Thankyou Mount Isa City Council, for putting a little bit of colour and art into our town.

If you are local and have not had a chance to check out Buchanan Park - take a few minutes out of your day to have a look. I am pretty sure you wont be disappointed.