New Mural Underway In Bowen

Bowen is recognised as the Mural Capital of Australia and with almost 30 murals adorning the walls around the town, it is no wonder.

Bowen was once destined to be the capital of North Queensland and this incredible history is reflected in the new mural of Herbert Street which depicts imagery of the town in the 1930’s.

The murals show the old wide streets of Herbert Street, the very first Supreme Court north of Rockhampton, and the old Commonwealth Bank.

Painting the murals is highly acclaimed Brisbane artist Glen Gillard.

Glen has been painting murals in Bowen since 1989 and has consistently travelled up to complete them as the years have gone by.

Painting this current mural for the past three weeks, Glen is expecting to finish his latest masterpiece before the end of the month.

He is impressed with the progress of the current mural and can’t wait to finish and let his newest work flourish by the Bowen Foreshore.

After he has finished the paintings, he will include names and dates of the buildings so the public can learn about the buildings and their history.

Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner said they have more exciting plans for the future.

“Down the track the plan is to get QR codes but we’ve got to get the money for that,” she said.

“But with the QR codes, people could click and get the extra information.”

The murals in Bowen are all about history and Heather said they are very effective in informing people about Bowen.

“It's great because it means we don't just get the local people learning about the History we get people from around Australia and even overseas,” Heather said.

Glen says he feels privileged to be given the opportunity to show the history of the area, and that he loves Bowen and is very grateful for the amount of the work it has provided for him over the years.

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Secretary of the Mural Society, Heather Skinner and Artist Glen Gillard

Glen adding touches to his mural

Glen standing in front of his yet to be finished mural

Photo Credit: Daniel Heggie

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