Event to celebrate Owen’s silo art feat
Owen’s Viterra silos, with their striking tribute to local agriculture and ANZACs, is already luring silo art enthusiasts to the Mid North town by the van full.
Now it’s time to celebrate the feat that saw a small community bring a big project to life.
“We want to showcase the art, the project, the agriculture and the soldiering spirit – but we also want to pay tribute to the Owen community and the many people who made this happen,” Project coordinator Nick Smyth said.
The Owen silo mural – arguably SA’s largest tribute to the Anzacs - will have an official opening ceremony on 18 July 2021 at 1pm.
“This official ceremony has been designed for the town’s people,” Mr Smyth said. “It’s an open invitation and everyone is welcome.”
“Owen is a town that understands ‘many hands make light work’, and this is reinforced in the imagery of townspeople working together to fill sand bags, and in the mateship immortalised on the Gallipoli peninsula.”
Seasoned silo artist Cam Scale was tasked with bringing to life world renowned artist Robert ‘Alf’ Hannaford’s design ‘Wheat Bags to Sand Bags’, a depiction of the town’s strong agricultural background and its transition of community life during wartime.
Wakefield Mayor Rodney Reid said the official launch cemented a long and successful community effort, which has delivered an iconic attraction for the town and its visitors.
“Faced with a small budget that had to be supplemented through fundraising, a global pandemic and weather constraints, those involved pushed through these challenges – what a remarkable achievement,” Mayor Reid said.
Wakefield Regional Council was able to contribute $100,000 for the project through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme.
“I would like to acknowledge the Australian Government for making drought funding available and giving Owen a chance to prosper,” Mayor Reid said. “And Viterra for providing a fabulous canvas that can be seen across the Plains.”
In light of the COVID-19 restrictions, please RSVP before 8 July by calling or texting Trish on 0438 872 690. Afternoon tea and bar facilities will be available at the Owen Hall.