A long, concrete bench faces the half basketball court, featuring a colourful artwork by Paul Sonsie depicting six local sportswomen.
Artist Statement
The work at Lilydale’s Gateway Reserve playspace conveys six sportswomen who have either played, lived or been associated with the Yarra Ranges region. The grid-like geometric patterns reflect the structure and rules of various playing fields, conveying movement, strategy and play, mixed with earthy browns and leafy greens to connect to the land and integrate the artwork with its surroundings.
Features
Representing six different sports in various stages of their career, from rising stars to established professionals, they are:
Amy Gardman (Martial Arts), Lauren Tesoriero (AFLW), Rachel Hore (Mountain Bike Champion), Shannon Eagland (Pro Netball), Lauren Starr (Athletics) and Lynne Glaisher (Tenpin Bowling, Bocce and Swimming, Special Olympics).
Sonsie's artwork is now part of "Finding Her", Australia’s first interactive, state-wide map that puts a spotlight on women commemorated in public spaces.
Finding Her is a collaboration between Gender Equity Victoria (GenVic) and Her Place Women's Museum, supported by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) through Geographic Names Victoria (GNV). Finding Her aims to connect physical sites of recognition (statues, murals, place names, monuments) to the stories of the women being honoured, through use of an interactive, online map
Scan the QR codes when you visit Sonsie's work to discover the story behind each of the women depicted.
https://findingher.org.au/
Visiting
A refurbishment of this playspace was completed in 2021 and includes new play and fitness equipment installed with new concrete surfaces, soft landscaping and furniture alongside the artwork by local Artist, Paul Sonsie. Learn more about Gateway Reserve.
Commission Details
This artwork was commissioned by Yarra Ranges Council as part of the Gateway Reserve playspace refurbishment.
Photo Credit Information
Lilydale Gateway playspace artwork by Paul Sonsie, Sonsie Studios. Photo credit: Sean Paris, 2021.