RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care has this year reached the significant milestone of having served the community for 60 years.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, a unique mosaic wall sculpture has been created – 60 Years, 60 Shoes – a permanent tribute to those who have been part of the RMB journey.
RM Begg CEO Sarah Collier said the idea of having an Artist in Residence was suggested by the leisure and lifestyle coordinator Amanda McCarthy and – combined with requests from residents to try mosaics – renowned local mosaicist Kathryn Portelli was approached to coordinate and guide the project.
“Kathryn suggested the theme of shoes representing our journey through life and 60 Years, 60 Shoes was born,” Ms Collier said.
“RM Begg has a longstanding program with Our Lady Of The Rosary. Small groups of year six students visit weekly to interact with residents and enjoy a planned creative activity.
“The combination of residents and students swapping ideas and interacting together created the ideal opportunity to work with Kathryn.
“RM Begg thanks Kathryn Portelli, residents Valerie Daly, Elizabeth Hutton, Patricia Marechal, Stephen West and Betty Young, and students Sigrid Halvarsson, Gus Mills, Leilah Meadows, Mella Drinis and Evie Duigan for creating this amazing work.
“Thanks also to the OLOR staff who facilitate the students’ visits.”
The wall sculpture is now in situ and is the centrepiece of a planned sculpture walk where viewers can enjoy, reminisce and contemplate on the mosaic representations from a baby’s bootee to well recognised types of shoes and boots worn over the generations.
The project was funded by a generous donation from Mrs Betty McMeekin, a longstanding patron of the arts.
An official opening of the project with High Tea will be held on Sunday November 10 from 2.30-4.30pm. Tickets available from RM Begg.
