News
1 June, 2025
Mosaic art with heart
The first mosaic art installation of the new Esk Mosaic Trail was inaugurated at Esk’s Pipeliner Park last week, in what is the first of four planned art pieces for the new public initiative.
The handcrafted mosaic totem, created by the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club’s own Mosaic Madness Group, pays tribute to the native flora and fauna that enrich the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail and the Esk community.
The inaugural piece, which was fully funded by the Esk Garden Fair and supported by Somerset Regional Council, was made by 12 members of the Mosaic Madness Group and took over 2,000 hours of work to complete.
Due to the labour-intensive nature of completing the art piece, the Valley of the Lakes Garden Club said it was aiming for one new piece per year.
Garden Club Vice-president and Manager of the Esk Mosaic Trail, Lisa Davis, said the public art initiative was the Garden Club’s way of giving back to the community after their long-standing support for the Esk Garden Fair.
“This was an opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy that will live on well beyond that one amazing day of the June fair,” she said.
“After much discussion and research, we agreed the perfect subject for these works should reflect the vibrancy and biodiversity of our region. We wanted these works to be more than just decorative. We wanted them to remind us of the importance of protecting the natural beauty that defines Esk.”
The materials used for the mosaic art were used from recycled glass and ceramic, some donated by local op shops. The steel post on which the mosaic was made was erected with the help of the members’ husbands and sons, as well as the Esk Men’s Shed.
Care4esK Co-ordinator, Jacqui Bate, said the work of “heart” brought tears to her eyes.
“Not only does it showcase the passion and talent of our local artists, but beautifully highlights the incredibly diverse native flora and fauna species we are very fortunate to still have in our Somerset Region,” she said.
“This wonderful initiative is a poignant reminder to everyone of why it’s more important than ever to protect and preserve our natural environment for all.”
Somerset Councillor, Sally Jess, called the art “a great initiative.”
“It’s a talking factor for the town and these people who are interested in that type of artwork can reach out to local community groups that prepare those, as well and attract more people,“ she said.
Somerset Councillor Michael Bishop said the installation offered people riding or walking along the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail a chance “to look at different things.”
“It’s a great way to get people to slow down, buy a cup of coffee or even stop for lunch,” he said.
