Creativity, community and craft have come together to create another unique attraction making its first appearance at this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival.
The 18m long ‘flower tower’, now proudly hanging from the bell tower at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Warwick was an initiative of the Parish’s Guild, backed by close to 100 supporters from as far as Northhampton Shire, England to Queensland’s Innisfail.
The idea originating from an online video of St Margaret of Antioch Church in Barley England, grew from a shared activity between regional Anglican Parishes to a widespread collaborative effort that saw teenagers through to 90-year-olds partake – from community and church groups, schools and aged care organisations.
An abundance of colour and craft adorn the piece of urban art with its true quality being the result of the diversity of gender, religions, cultures and cross-generations contributing their crafts.
Elaine Stewart from St Mark’s Guild said the twelve-month project exceeded all expectations bringing so many people together with a shared purpose.
“The pride in the resulting masterpiece is immense but so much more is the collaborative spirit that went into its making,” she said.
“It gave so many something to focus on and a sense of achievement particularly during Covid times when many were isolated and alone at home.
“We thank all who contributed through the donation of materials, labour and craft and remember two of our members who were so proud of their involvement however, unfortunately, aren’t with us today to see the finished product.
“The piece reflects so many people’s stories with one Toowoomba lady making 90 flowers in memory of her late father who was a former St Marks parishioner who passed away at 89 years of age.”
The local fire brigade assisted with the carefully planned hanging of the showcase of more than 2,200 knitted, crocheted and material flowers and leaves which in itself proved to be a logistical exercise and small engineering feat.
Residents and visitors to Warwick are invited to view the flower tower day and night during the Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival held from 21 to 31 July.
Onlookers are encouraged to get up close to see the level of detail involved with some pieces even featuring beetles, butterflies and buttons. Two large crosses are also incorporated on each side of the artwork as symbols of faith and community outreach of the Anglican Parish.
Art @ St Mark’s is also returning for the Jumpers and Jazz Festival for their 10th year, showing 184 pieces of artwork from 65 local artists.
They will be open on Friday 22 July from 9:30 am to 4 pm, on Saturday 23 July from 9:30 am to 5 pm and on Sunday 24 July from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.
Attendees can also visit the Art Cafe, where you can treat yourself to homemade soups and sweets. They will also be serving morning tea and lunch.
An official opening will be held on Friday 22 July at 6 pm.
Attendees at the opening can meet the artists behind the artwork while enjoying food and wine, and a live jazz performance from talented local musicians.
Entry is $15, and tickets can be pre-purchased on purchased at the door via cash or EFTPOS.
