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Sands’ mosaic packs a punch of colour in Hamilton

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The revitalisation of a past mosaic art project is set to further enhance Hamilton’s status as rich in history and culture.

An appreciative crowd witnessed the installation of the colourful work at James Street Plaza on Friday morning, which drew praise from Hamilton Business Improvement Association (HBIA) chair Evan Reid.

“This project helps tell the stories of Hamilton’s diverse community,” he said.

“It’s a great representation of what can be achieved with a little collaboration and the SBR funding.

“It has been a pleasure to liaise and support coordinator Paul [Maher].

“We love that he worked so closely with local artists, art schools and our heritage advisor Ruth Cotton to pull this all together.

“The series of mosaics will cross cultural and social divides.

“Each illustrates one of the many narratives that form the rich migrant history of the centre.

“The art pieces will also contribute to a liveable built environment by reinforcing the community’s sense of identity through story telling.”

Mr Maher carried out a mosaic project in Beaumont Street for City of Newcastle in the 1990s after the Newcastle earthquake shattered much of the precinct’s main thoroughfare.

And, they’ve stood the test of time after more than 30 years.

“You may have noticed these colourful pavement tiles as you stroll along Beaumont Street,” Mr Reid said.

Project coordinator Paul Maher, tiler Mark Johnson and artist Jasmine Craciun with the James Street Plaza mosaic featuring indigenous boxer Dave Sands. Photo: Peter Stoop

“Each artwork celebrates a specific business sector and the history of the area.

“We approached Paul some 18 months ago with the view to install more pavement art to assist with street beautification.

“He undertook a lot of community consultation around the designs and, after final approval by council’s Public Art Reference Group, the first mosaic was installed at the corner of Beaumont and Tudor streets.”

The Dog Walker responds to stories narrated on a local community Facebook page about residents who walk their dogs in Hamilton.

The design also addresses the village feel in Hamilton by reminding us of the importance of social connections through our pets.

Other designs include the stained-glass windows at Scots Kirk (1887) designed by a polish immigrant John Radecki, who settled in Australia in 1882.

He was commissioned by families from the church to devise the windows and they were installed in 1925.

Also, Freedom to be Me expresses how Beaumont Street has helped shape the freedom of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“From my personal experience, there is nowhere in Newcastle that you can feel more able and accepted to simply just be yourself than Beaumont Street,” said artist Yvette Ten-Bohmer, who teaches workshops at Hudson Street HUM.

The latest installation, Hand in Glove, unveiled on 11 February, was that of local indigenous boxer Dave Sands.

“Tom Maguire’s boxing gym was on Beaumont Street,” Mr Reid said.

“It was where Dave first started boxing at 15.

“Artist Jasmine Craciun has created a beautiful piece to celebrate his impact on Newcastle and the world.

“She is a proud descendant of the Barkindji and Malyangapa people of Far Western NSW, however she grew up by the sea in Newcastle.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the final result.”

Mr Maher, after collaborating with Hunter Street TAFE Art School and Hudson Street HUM, said he was “very passionate” about the beautiful artform.

“I am so pleased to mentor and teach students to develop skills in mosaic assembly and installation,” he stated.

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