There’s a colourful buzz around Lake Macquarie, which is attracting a lot of attention.

For close to four years, ARTea’s Gallery & Garden – a project of the Swansea Community Cottage Inc – has been encouraging residents to celebrate their talents, connect, learn and grow.

And, on Wednesday 10 November, the centre unveiled a mural that will be just one of the centre pieces of attraction for the upcoming Lake Mac Open Studios weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 November.

This year, ARTea’s was successful in receiving a Creative Seed Funding grant from Lake Macquarie City Council.

The initiative demonstrates council’s support and leadership in working with, and facilitating the development of, culture and creative industries in the city, which contribute $376 million to the economy and employ 1,574 people (December 2018).

Swansea Community Cottage Inc also provided additional financial assistance to bring the undertaking to life.

The artistic series, which took more than 45 hours to design and paint, were created by local artists Deanne Newland and Jodie Reynolds, who are known as “Dynamic Murals”

Each panel celebrates the diversity of the location and are affectionately recognised as “Catch of the Day”, “Water Life”, “Sunrise” and “The Coastline”.

Situated on the busy Josephson Street, next door to Woolworths, the mural has the capacity to change the streetscape and become a tourist talking point.

Currently, ARTea’s is enjoyed four days per week by locals and tourists, so the decorative installation will be seen by thousands of people.

Swansea Community Cottage Inc project manager Susan MacNeill said the location was like no other place in Lake Macquarie.

“We look forward to seeing locals and newcomers enjoying the artworks and photographing themselves in front to share with friends, family and social media,” she stated.

“Become interactive as you pour the teapot and hold the fishing rod to catch a big one.

“You can take your time over a cuppa, to find the stories in the murals from the meeting place teapot painted by Jodie, who is Aboriginal, to the RSL memorial, marine rescue, sky diving, the bridge and so much more.

“We are proud to showcase two of our finest local artists and the beauty and attractions of Swansea and surrounds.”

ARTea’s Gallery & Garden is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 2pm.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.