Raindrops and Sunbeams is a colourful sculpture by local artist Deb McNaughton. The work features seven arched posts designed to represent the shape and spirit of a rainbow. The title refers to the two natural elements required to form a rainbow, with raindrops representing the struggles and sadness experienced as a direct result of the pandemic and sunbeams representing the light and hope at the end of the tunnel. Together these elements create a rainbow, while the wording on each post refers to the seven values that make the Kingston community shine so bright. The artist’s intention is to create a visually stimulating landmark whilst representing the strength, diversity, positivity, and spirit of the Kingston community now and into the future.
Following a series of creative community engagement workshops held towards the end of November 2020, the artist undertook consultation with community members and surrounding primary schools. Leadership groups from grade six classes at Parktone Primary, Aspendale Primary and Edithvale Primary Schools identified seven key community values that are now celebrated through text plaques on each of the sculpture's arches (in both English and the language of the Indigenous Land Owners).
These are:
This sculpture was created as part of the Bay Trail Public Art Project. In July-August 2020 the community was invited to provide feedback on public art for the Bay Trail via the ‘Your Kingston Your Say’ platform. The survey results reflected an overwhelmingly positive response to the design and its timely focus on the hope and connection experienced in the Kingston community during the challenges of COVID-19.
Raindrops and Sunbeams is a nod to the temporalRainbow of Hope mural Deb McNaughtonpainted at Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale in 2020, which received an overwhelming positive response from the local community as it celebrated the unity and connection demonstrated amongst Kingston residents in the face of social distancing rules.
As part of this project Council worked with The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) to incorporate the key community values into the sculpture in Indigenous language.
Hazel Pierce Reserve (opposite 221 Beach Road), Mordialloc 3195 View Map
Hazel Pierce Reserve (opposite 221 Beach Road) , Mordialloc 3195