By Sumeyya Ilanbey
The completion of a mural at the Myrniong Mechanics Hall has been more than a decade in the making for local artist Denise Hastings.
Hastings began painting the mural 15 years ago but as she battled cancer twice, the work of art went unfinished.
Early this month she returned to complete the colourful artwork.
“There will always be little things and I’m sure in 15 years’ time I might think that piece of grass needs work,” Ms Hasting said. “But for the most part, it now stands as a finished work.
“Before, it looked OK. Now it looks so much better.”
Hastings drew inspiration from the savannah of Kenya for the mural. She said she wanted to bring a little of Africa to Myrniong.
Hastings visited Melbourne Zoo to sketch animals and find out about their habitats.
She says it took a while to perfect the mural’s details and dimensions, but that it had been worth it.
The recent additions include clouds, a few birds, blades of grass and some bugs.
Hastings said the paint she had been using had dried up, so Wilson’s Home Timber and Hardware, in Bacchus Marsh, donated a few tins to get the job completed.
Myrniong Mechanics Hall president Mark Powell said the mural was loved by all, including those who used the hall for events and functions.
“It was almost good enough as it was, but now that she’s finished it, it’s fantastic,” he said.
