Artist Murray Ross with one of the original murals unveiled 25 years ago.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
This year marks 25 years since the unveiling of the murals that transformed Tongala’s bare walls into the visual storybook that community members and visitors see today.
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The town is widely known for its street art, a legacy that began with artist Murray Ross, who painted the original murals that celebrate the town’s transformation over the years.
A former commercial artist from Melbourne, Mr Ross moved to Tongala about 50 years ago to farm and later opened an art gallery before painting the original town murals and was part of a second street art project in 2019-20.
The original mural project began in the bi-centennial year and continued into 2001 after receiving funding, which then saw 10 artworks painted to capture the region’s history.
“The main reason is to get visitors to come and spend a little money in the shops to keep the shops going,” Mr Ross said.
“And it’s happening, people are coming to look, and they do spend money in the town.”
Murray Ross working on one of the original Tongala murals.
Photo by
Riverine Herald
More than two decades later, Tongala's street art collection has flourished alongside a growing community interest in art.
Through the latest street art project in 2019-20, artists involved children, who contributed their own sketches and painted their signatures onto a mural.
Mr Ross explained that involving children in the project helped them to develop a sense of ownership through creative expression, rather than turning to graffiti.
As a result of the project, an art studio was set up in town, which welcomes community members from children to aged care residents and provides them with creative opportunities.
Murals have drawn visitors to Tongala for many years.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
While some original murals have been removed or show signs of weathering over the years, many continue to showcase Tongala’s history and transformation for future generations to discover.
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