A new visual story now adorns the walls of Masterton Trust Lands Trust’s soon to be office at 115 Chapel Street, Masterton.
Designed and painted by multi-disciplined creative Lotte Hawley, the concept of a mural for the Trust’s new office ‘provided an opportunity to do something a little different’ – says Trust chair Christine Brewster.
Two years ago, when the Trust celebrated its 150th birthday, trustees commissioned four vibrant public artworks for Masterton as part of its arts strategy. “We wanted to carry that theme on – specifically telling a visual story of this place we call home. It made sense to link it in with our office re-location to Chapel Street,” explains Christine.
Lotte’s other local mural Sink or Skim, in Dixon Street is now part of the fabric of Masterton – as are other artists’ works near Burger King, Lone Star, and opposite the Screening Room.
The new Chapel Street mural drew inspiration from the Trust’s long history of enriching the town’s cultural and community education – set against a backdrop of the region’s natural landscape. Familiar scenes of the Tararua Ranges, Tūī and flax bushes beneath Wairarapa’s world-famous dark skies are integral to the mural’s story.
A young child plays with poi, and an early town map provides a link to the Small Farms Association which established Masterton and the Trust. The mural captures layers of time and history, weaving them into an ever-evolving story of Masterton.
Masterton Trust Lands Trust staff will move into new premises at 115 Chapel Street in early 2025.
Featured picture: Artist Lotte Hawley works her magic on a new mural for Masterton. The piece is called ‘Flight’- building on the concept of a community taking flight and prospering together.