Mount Barker Murals

The Murals, as the underpinning element of the December 2019 Mountains and Murals Festival, was conceived by Sgt David “Johnno” Johnson, local police station officer in charge and organised collaboratively between the Shire of Plantagenet, Mount Barker Police, Department of Justice, Plantagenet Arts Council, Great Southern Emerging Leaders Group and the town community.

"Johnno" is a part time "Walldog" a collective of sign painters and mural artists who meet once a year in a selected town in the United States to capture the history of the area in large scale public art murals.

Over the course of a long weekend seven murals were painted, celebrating the unique human and geographical history of the area and the visiting artists provided workshops to develop local talents.

The locations of the murals were carefully selected to bring tourists into town to explore; some of the murals are in alleyways and hard to find. This has created an exploration trail through the heart of Mount Barker, adding to the excitement of viewing but also forcing tourists to get out of their cars and interact with local businesses.

Inmates from Pardelup Prison Farm volunteered their time and equipment to prepare the exteriors of buildings for painting, and the Emerging Leaders Group had considerable input into the theme of Reconciliation.

The festival, featured the murals painted by international artists, and incorporated a Food and Wine Fair and other festive activities, celebrating all things local.