A Week in the Lane – Bringing Colour and Creativity to Pennyweight Walk

I was thrilled to be selected as one of nine local Bendigo artists to take part in A Week in the Lane, a public mural project proudly supported by the City of Greater Bendigo.

The project began with an expression of interest, where local artists submitted examples of their previous mural work. A shortlist of artists was then invited to develop and present an original mural concept, with nine artists ultimately selected to transform the walls of Pennyweight Walk into a vibrant outdoor gallery.

Designing my mural was an opportunity to create something that truly reflected who I am as both an artist and a person.

My work celebrates contrasts. I love bold black and white imagery and the energy of dance music, but I also embrace my playful side. I believe in trying new things, letting go of perfection and, as the saying goes, dancing like no one is watching.

That same philosophy shapes the creative experiences I facilitate through my art workshops and community events. My passion is bringing people together through creativity and connection, encouraging others to experiment, be brave and create freely—to create like no one is judging.

At the heart of my mural is Zii, a small wooden toy zebra who has become a meaningful symbol in my creative journey. Zii reminds me to enjoy the little things, stay flexible, embrace curiosity and always remain true to myself. Including Zii in the mural felt like sharing a little piece of the mindset that inspires both my artwork and the way I encourage others to create.

Painting in Pennyweight Walk during the chilly days of May was an unforgettable experience. Working alongside eight incredibly talented local artists was both inspiring and energising. Some were familiar faces, while others I met for the first time, and I loved learning about each artist's unique style, creative process and the stories behind their work.

The artists involved in A Week in the Lane were:

• Narsha Kang

• Tomi McManus

• Frankie O

• Wes Franklin

• Alicia Huddy

• Kate Smith

• Louise Davis

• Maxine Thompson

• Kim Lowe

One challenge we all shared was the rough brick surface. It certainly tested our patience at times, but we embraced the imperfections and tackled the walls with enthusiasm. In many ways, the textured bricks became part of each artwork's character, adding depth and personality to the finished murals.

If you're visiting Bendigo, I highly recommend taking a stroll through Pennyweight Walk. This hidden laneway has been transformed into a colourful celebration of local creativity, with nine unique murals that each tell their own story. It's a wonderful reminder of the incredible artistic talent within our community—and it's sure to brighten your day.