A RECENTLY completed 1000 km silo art trail spanning Western Australia's agricultural heartland is attracting thousands of visitors
The PUBLIC Silo Trail by cultural organisation FORM in partnership with the State's largest grain handler CBH Group, has become Western Australia's largest outdoor art gallery and is set to become one of the State’s iconic drive trails.
The trail, taking in silos in Albany, Ravensthorpe, Newdegate, Pingrup, Katanning, Merredin and Northam, took seven artists a total of 92 days to paint. They used more than 1,700 litres of paint over a three year period to transform Western Australia's rural heartland into an open 'truly public' art gallery.
It's a trail that truly celebrates the distinctiveness of the regions through unique and world class mural art.
With the physical painting of the silos complete, attention has now turned to the promotion of the PUBLIC Silo Trail through a dedicated and informative website, interpretive signage at each site, as well as a suite of brochures and marketing collateral that will be made available at Visitor Centres and Community Resource Centres.
The Silo Trail traverses 1000 km of landscapes across WA from leafy green hillsides to salt lake country, wide open plains to inspiring rock formations.
Visitors can either drive the complete trail from start to finish or try three smaller distinct drives.
The Golden Edge, Northam - Merredin
Hailed as one of Australia's extraordinary engineering feats, stretching from Perth to Kalgoorlie, the Golden Pipeline with its original roadside pump houses is one of the first landmarks you'll meet on this epic drive deep into WA's Wheatbelt region. Meander through bright canola fields, farming pastures, wineries and a see silo murals painted by three of the world's leading urban artist Phlegm (UK), Hense (USA), and WA's own Kyle Hughes-Odgers.
The Central Heart, Katanning - Pingrup - Newdegate
Kick off in colourful Katanning and follow the salmon gums and salt lakes to the next silo mural at Pingrup where the work of celebrated US artist Evocal will wow you with his depiction of the agricultural heritage of the town. An hour north-east will take you to Newdegate and a silo painted by WA's Brenton See with a depiction of mallee fowls, western bearded lizard, thigh spotted tree frog and red-tailed phascogale.
Wave to Wave, Ravensthorpe - Albany
This expansive drive via WA's wild south coast beckons the adventurer. See amazing silo art from Brenton See's native flora inspired creation to Amok Island's soaring 25 metre Six Stages of Banksia baxteri and the 30 metre high ruby sea dragon by art duo The Yok and Sheryo in Albany.
For more information drop into a local visitor information centre, call FORM 08-9226-2799 or publicsilotrail.com