St Arnaud’s Torney seeks silo input
After painting a mural at St Arnaud’s Royal Hotel and campaigning for the town to become a stop on the region’s popular Silo Art Trail, artist Kyle Torney has a new challenge.
Torney, born and raised at St Arnaud, has won a commission to paint the town’s silos through a new St Arnaud Silo Art Project.
Torney said he would put together several design options for the silos, which would then go out to the community for consultation and voting.
“I’m incredibly passionate about this project being a born and bred St Arnaud local, so it means a lot to be a part of it,” he said.
“The tourism and revenue this could generate for St Arnaud would be a massive benefit to the town, and show everyone what a great place it is.”
Northern Grampians Shire Council kick-started funding for the $70,000 project with a $20,000 contribution.
Councillor Merrilee Reid said the project was more than a year in the making thanks to St Arnaud Artspace, which sought donations and raised money to help reach the target.
“We’re really excited by its potential and St Arnaud Artspace have done a great job in pulling it all together. We’re looking forward to seeing the project hopefully secure some funding from the State Government in the near future as well,” she said.
Cr Reid said Torney won the opportunity to paint the silos after a recent exhibition in the town and his popular mural at the Royal Hotel.
“It’s quite unique for a local artist to be undertaking the silo painting, so that makes this particular project very special,” she said.
St Arnaud artist Helen Rigby said April to June was the optimal time to paint the silos, due to weather conditions.
“We’re looking to involve the community as much as possible to help us reach our target in time,” she said. “We’ve already had community organisations looking at coming to support this project, but we’re also on the lookout for businesses and individuals to get involved as sponsors.
“Not only do we need to have the money for the artist and all the materials for the three months, but we also need to pay for a cherry picker, public liability insurance, permits, tools and equipment, advertising and more to make it all happen.” Agricultural business Ridley owns the silos and has given permission for the project. Ridley St Arnaud site manager Shane Coleman said he looked forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
“It’s going to really benefit the town so we were more than happy to help the community out in that way,” he said.
People who are interested in helping with the project can message St Arnaud Artspace online at https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/nonprofit-organization/st-ar naud-artspace-1024713690981079/.