Gnome arrives at new home FRANKSTON’S latest visitor has received a mixed reception from residents. A giant silver gnome sculpture was installed at the Cranbourne Rd exit of Peninsula Link last Thursday (16 July) after the popular Tree of Life moving sculpture was moved to Langwarrin’s McClelland Gallery & Sculpture Park earlier this month (‘Tree of Life uprooted for gnome new home’, The Times 6/7/15). The nine-metre gnome sculpture, entitled Reflective Lullaby, is the work of New Zealand based artist Gregor Kregar. It is made of polished stainless steel. The arrival of the gnome sparked hundreds of comments on Facebook. Many are disappointed the Tree of Life has been removed and the majority mocked the appearance of a gnome in its place as “ugly” and “an embarrassment”. Some are worried reflected glare from the gnome sculpture could distract drivers on sunny days. Others defended the gnome and over the weekend smaller gnomes had been placed at the feet of the large gnome by persons unknown. The steel gnome has been called “a waste of our money” by many who are unhappy at its appearance alongside Peninsula Link but the sculpture is not funded by taxpayers’ or ratepayers’ funds. The freeway sculptures are commissioned and owned by McClelland, through funds donated by Peninsula Link owner operator Southern Way. Fourteen major sculptures will be displayed at the site and will be changed every two years until the year 2037. Funding for the sculptures is being provided by Southern Way, Abigroup and Royal Bank of Scotland. Neil Walker
Night out: Artist of the year Bob Kelly enjoying the ball with his daughter, Jacinta. Picture: Lucy Deitz
Artist’s work honoured
INDIGENOUS artist Bob Kelly, of Rye, was named Artist of the Year at the annual NAIDOC Ball at Mornington Racecourse on Friday 3 July. The event heralded the start of NAIDOC Week, a major happening on the Indigenous calendar, with events across the country celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions to our way of life. This year’s theme was: “We all stand on sacred ground – learn, respect and celebrate”. Djirri Djirri dancers performed traditional dance, accompanied by the didgeridoo, before the crowd of 250. Among the guests were Mornington Peninsula mayor Cr Bev Colomb, Cr Tim Rodgers, shire CEO Carl Cowie and Frankston councillor Darrel Taylor. Mr Kelly said later that he had been painting and drawing “since I was a kid, before I even started school”. “The women would be beading and weaving and handing me drawing materials and I took to it very easily,” he said.
“I stopped creating art when I was a teenager after being told my art would get me nowhere. It wasn't until I became a single dad in my 40s that I started my art work again. Now you can't stop me. “I use various mediums, oil and carving. I make didgeridoos and boomerangs from local gum and tea tree and do limestone and bone carving.” He also illustrates children’s books and paints on canvas as well as running workshops for schools and business groups. Mr Kelly received a plaque, framed certificate and $50 voucher. “After all these years this is my first award,” he said. His works are on sale at Baluk Arts, 6 Bruce St, Mornington. Other major awards went to elder Aunty Yvonne Luke, community member Wenzel Carter, Tommy Corrigan (sports), Skyla Lauch (youth), non-indigenous Gerard Cook and Aboriginal organisation, Willum Warrain.
It’s a wrap: Greg Kregar’s Reflective Lullaby gnome is installed alongside Peninsula Link. Picture: Yanni
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Frankston Times
20 July 2015
PAGE 9