The Council has enlisted local textile artists Juliet Hargreaves and Iris Whitelock to run a series of community art workshops during the year for residents to design the wall hanging, which will comprise five 180cm-by-90cm panels. The artwork will be hung in the Melville Civic Centre foyer once complete.

Residents can attend information sessions at the Melville Civic Centre on Monday, 5 February, 10am-noon, and Thursday, 8 February, 7.00pm-9.00pm to learn more about the project. There will then be consultation workshops on Monday, 26 February, 10am-noon, and Thursday, 1 March, 7.00pm-9.00pm.

Mayor Katherine Jackson said Melville had a strong textile art community and the project would give residents a chance to use their talents and learn new skills. “We also want to bring community members together and give them an opportunity to translate some of their experiences and stories into the artwork,” she said.

Ms Whitelock said they wanted people of all skill levels to take part in the project. “Some people love the look and feel of fabrics but haven’t yet had an opportunity or the confidence to work with textiles in this way,” she said.  “Others have had years of experience in textile art and will have knowledge they would love to share.”

This textile art project will be the third in a series of community art projects to hang in the Civic Centre foyer. The first two were an embroidery project titled Bridging the Gap, depicting the City of Melville’s rich history and local heritage, and a tapestry project titled Tapestry of Life - 100 Years of Celebration, featuring colourful scenes and images from the City of Melville's past and present.

The textile project is expected to be complete by early 2008.

For information session bookings, phone Judy Cooper on 93640652 or Terry O’Neil on 9364 0656. For more information about the project, phone Ms Whitelock or Ms Hargreaves on 0432 949 040.

Media Contact: Ryan Sturman 9364 0245