Guyra's main street is getting a new mural and residents are invited to help finalise the design.
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Armidale Regional Council is currently conducting a community poll inviting residents to choose between two concept designs for the mural, which will feature on several structures and is part of the Guyra main street upgrade.
Both concepts are based on illustrations created by Guyra Central School students, depicting wildlife and livestock that call the area home.
Internationally-acclaimed artist James Price has been engaged to produce the mural and assembled the students' illustrations into the two draft mural designs.
"The animal illustrations take centre stage in both designs because they are so striking and tell such a strong visual story about the district's identity," James said.
"Beyond that, the two options are vastly different."
Option 1 uses bright and strongly contrasting colours so the animals "burst" out of the mural.
"Option 2 is also striking but invites some exploration by viewers, taking them on a voyage of local discovery.
The animals still loom large but are intermingled with native flora and reveal themselves more slowly," he said.
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The poll will be open until 23 December, enabling residents to indicate their preference and provide additional feedback.
James will finalise the design based on the community's feedback and will paint the mural in early 2021.
The mural will appear on the main street toilet block, the new street stall structure and other main street features.
Council's Interim Administrator, Viv May, said the mural is a significant step in the upgrade and beautification of the Guyra central business district and would benefit greatly from James's expertise.
"He has a fantastic track record working with communities to create murals throughout Australia and overseas," Mr May said.
"James was chosen because of his ability to produce designs that are beautiful, distinctive and memorable - while ensuring the local community has a strong connection with the artwork.
"We're now calling on the Guyra public to get involved so the local mural is just as effective."
Visit the Guyra Mural page on the Your Say Armidale website to see more of the designs, view a video that further explains the draft concepts and to participate in the poll.
A display of the two design concept options is featured at the Guyra library until 23 December.