The big reveal: Goulburn Valley Libraries chief executive Kevin Preece, Nagambie Library co-ordinator Catherine Langdon, support artists Wendy Cook and Joan Loughnane and creator Trudy Oldaker in front of the mural.
Life in Nagambie has been depicted with colour and flair by artist Trudy Oldaker in a mural unveiled at Nagambie Library on Tuesday, February 14.
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Titled Nagambie Library is for everyone, the mural took 711 hours to complete.
Ms Oldaker entered the winning submission for a mural idea back in 2019.
“Initially the librarian asked the art group to submit an idea and they would choose the one they liked,” she said.
“I just did a drawing, and because I did it for me, that’s probably why it worked; if you try and impress other people it just doesn’t work.
“I did it because it put a smile on my face.”
Work on the mural began in 2019; however, it was put on hold for two years, due to COVID-19, and recommenced in 2022.
The work is a collaboration with support from Nagambie Lakes Community House and the Lions Club.
“I had several brilliant helpers in Wendy and Joan, and various members of the art group came in from time to time and helped out,” Ms Oldaker said.
“Two of my granddaughters came in and helped out for 10 hours each.”
Team effort: Trudy Oldaker and Catherine Langdon unveil the mural.
The mural is situated prominently at the entrance to the library.
The painting includes recognisable landmarks, such as the football oval, lake, shops and library, with people participating in various activities for which Nagambie is known, all while reading.
“I had trouble drawing the Norfolk pines, which Nagambie is known for … in the end I grabbed my two little granddaughters, 8 and 10, and they went whoosh, whoosh and there they were,” Ms Oldaker said.
“Their initials are on each of the trees they did.”
Ms Oldaker said the mural was reminiscent of a children’s story book.
“It was two things: everyone should read a book, books are for everybody, and why not draw a picture of the town?” she said.
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