Sunday, February 16, 2025

Wiregrass mural launch

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Over fifty people gathered on Friday to celebrate the pop-up launch of the Wiregrass mural at the Kaniva Post Office. The mural depicts townsfolk queuing at the Post Office—a scene that celebrates the spirit of rural life when such places were essential for keeping communities connected. At its heart is a nod to Leason’s mother Mary in her fur stole, and their family dog, Wodger.

Created by local artist Sharon Merrett, the mural features characters from several cartoons (some characters were as tiny as 3cm in the originals), which will feature in the trail or exhibition:

  • Last Tuesday Was Egg Day for the Hospital at Wiregrass School
  • A New Front Room Suite
  • Bought by the Nation
  • Mrs. Wodger’s Win in the Sponge Cake Section
  • Beautiful Newer Cars
  • Wiregrass Sends an Exhibit to the Royal Show – The Test

As you admire the mural, pause to imagine the lively conversations these characters might share while waiting in line. What news might they eagerly discuss? What stories might they tell?

Check out the temporary signage at the Post Office, which provides more insight along with the Post Office cartoon, available until the rest of the trail and exhibition is installed. The trail will be cross promoted by brochure to Visitor Information Centres, Historical places and Art galleries, along with an online presence.

At the launch, Helen Hobbs, Project Coordinator gave an overview of the project and thanked the many sponsors. Sharon Merrett spoke about the community-led process and how she created the design. Susan Berry paid tribute to Percy Leason, highlighting his immense contribution to Australian art and culture. Adding a personal touch, Oscar Harrison shared his memories of working at the Kaniva Post Office since 1961, a building central to the mural’s theme.

Project Coordinator Helen Hobbs is now calling for people to participate in the project via video stories. These videos will be then linked to the various cartoons via QR codes. Contact Helen on 0429 888 250. Videos created so far can be found on the Kaniva website: https://www.kaniva.org/wiregrass.html.

Similarly, if your business along Commercial St would like to feature a cartoon as part of the trail, now is the time to get in contact.

A huge thank you to the Local History Grants Program and Public Record Office Victoria, supported by the Victorian Government, as well as Percy’s daughter Nancy, his grandson Mike Fenton, and Peter Perry for their invaluable support.

Special thanks to: Australian Silo Art Trail – Annette and Eric Green, Sharon Merrett, Helen Hobbs, Glenn and Katrina Smith, John Carter, Ricky Elliott, Richard Hicks, Kaniva Pharmacy, Jack Merrett – Lumberjack Creative, and in memory of Jack and Marj Mills – For all of their generous donations – in kind and/ or financial.

This community-led project, spearheaded by Kaniva and District Progress Association, wouldn’t be possible without these contributions— thank you for making it happen!  

Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times 8 January 2025

This article appeared in the  Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 8 January 2025.
Related stories: Wiregrass project update, Percy Leason project update,  Percy Leason’s Wiregrass cartoons to bring history to life

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