Katanning public mural sees daylight again after a decade in a box

A mural that was removed from public display a decade ago has seen daylight again thanks to the Katanning Arts and Crafts Group.

The mural, which once wrapped around the side of the old Katanning Town hall, was created in the ‘90s by a small group of local artists and was only recently rediscovered thanks to the group.

The metre-long section featuring possum and gumnut impressions was laid out on display at the group’s recent Dirt Again exhibition of contemporary ceramic art at the Katanning Public Library and Art Gallery.

The mural was found in pieces in cardboard boxes where it had remained since it was taken down in 2013.

“The original plan was to take it down and relocate it, but there was a big change of shire management at the time and in the process it was forgotten about,” secretary Leslie Balinsky said.

“It was mounted along the side and around the wall of the old town hall, and when it was removed, for whatever reason, fortunately it was removed in pieces and saved.

“We want to resurrect it in our building, albeit in pieces — it’s a big project but that’s the plan.”

The group is inviting community members to get involved in the project, which will involve making small clay tablets.

“Members of the public can make a bit of something to add to the piece,” president Pauline Edgecumbe said.

The group meets regularly on Tuesdays and invites people to come along.

“We don’t offer lessons as such, it’s really a case of come and have a go,” Mrs Edgecumbe said.

“We’re quite a relaxed mob.”