Darling of the art set

Kathryn Portelli has created a 'Mystery Art Trail' in Kyneton. Photo by Damjan Janevski. 236195_01

By Oliver Lees

Kathryn Portelli is taking Kyneton’s art to the streets.

As a recipient of a Macedon Ranges council COVID Creative grant, which supports artists to create community-minded projects in the wake of the pandemic, Ms Portelli hopes to deepen the public’s understanding of local art with her Mystery Art Trail .

Participants can make their way from Art on Piper to The Old Auction House Arts Precinct or vice versa, following a custom-made map that will lead them on a trip past unique art installations.

The project will highlight the work of resident artist Elizabeth Darling who has been a member of Art on Piper for three years.

As president of Art on Piper Ms Portelli said it was important to encourage people to recognise the contribution of local creatives.

“Elizabeth Darling has a permanent display on Art on Piper, she’s a social narrative artist, and she illustrates those with a sense of humour,” she said.

“She’s an art stalwart of the town, and has been on the museum committee, so it’s a nice opportunity to acknowledge her impact on the town.

“The trail will take them around to places you wouldn’t normally think to go by, but also a key part of the mystery is getting to discover who Darling is.”

The Mystery Art Trail will be open to the public by the end of May.

Macedon Ranges council has funded a total of 11 Covid Creative projects known collectively as Creative Encounters.

For more information visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/get-involved.