ART sculptures resembling magpies and food produce items have been proposed for the local area as part of an $8.5 million Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements project, an initiative designed to improve infrastructure and increase visitation.
Part one is the Bowser to Tarrawingee section themed 'Magpie Alley', and features an artistic version of magpies, designed by artist Emily Floyd.
Part two, the Milawa to Oxley section, will have the theme 'Palate Palette', representing food grown in the district, designed by artist Beci Orpin.
Councillors will be asked at Tuesday night's council meeting to decide on whether to endorse the designs, or not.
Ms Floyd is a Melbourne-based artist who works on general spaces for engagement and interaction, while provoking discussions about contemporary ideas.
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"The proposed project encompasses a series of playful 'Eye Spy' magpie themed installations, leading up to a giant magpie family," she said in her application statement.
"The hero magpie will stand at five to six metres tall, creating a landmark, Instagram friendly icon.
"Magpies are a key indicator of biodiversity, they are intertwined with the different plants, animals, micro-organisms and ecosystems of which they are a part."
Ms Orpin was tasked to develop a concept design that was "a colourful, whimsical journey that evokes the complex flavours of the region in unexpected ways".
If successful, some of the food sculptures will include mushrooms, an egg, olive branch, grapes, raspberry, garlic, rough back myrtle and cheese, with the pieces made out of laser cut fabricated sheet metal.
Ms Orpin's biography says she has more than 25 years' experience evoking wonder and optimism through her practices, with an emphasis on colour and shape.
"With an emphasis on colour and shape, her work bridges illustration, craft and design to create vibrant installations and graphics which often take the form of plants, animals and quirky characters," it reads.
Ms Orpin collaborated with local makers, residents and primary schools to capture different perspectives on the regional flavours.
The art was also endorsed by council’s public art acquisitions committee.
The committee recommended that the proposed artworks be accepted as a donation into the community’s public art collection and if the donation is accepted, the artworks will become council assets.
