SOMERS has a new attraction – the Totem Trail – and an illustrated “map” to help users find their way along it.
Although organisers had to cancel Somers Primary School’s arts fair this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, they have embraced a new way to celebrate the character of Somers and raise funds for the school.
Artist Lizzie Dennis has created a map featuring 24 totem poles dotted around the area. It has been printed on tea towels. Visitors are invited to use the map to take a stroll through Somers and spot the totem artworks.
Totem Trail tea towels will be for sale through Somers Primary School and at speciality stores on the Mornington Peninsula from early December.
Ms Dennis said, “I began appreciating how many beautiful totems were around Somers during lockdown when walking, running and riding through the streets became the circuit breaker for me and my family. We discussed creating a Totem Trail, an art trail for the Somers totem poles that we found on our daily adventures.”
Ms Dennis said the project helped her meet residents and artists at a time when community connection was difficult. “We really hope that people can enjoy walking the Somers Totem Trail, spotting totems and sharing the beauty of the area with friends and family,” she said.
Somers Primary School principal Hugh Greer said the arts fair was a special event in the school calendar. “Each year our arts fair raises much-needed funds for our small school. Without this additional funding we would not have been able to develop our school facilities, including resurfacing the oval, redeveloping the multipurpose room and building a nature play space for students.
“The arts fair brings together our whole school community, and this community engagement and collaboration help make our school a special place for our children to learn and develop.”
Details: somersps.vic.edu.au
First published in the Western Port News – 11 November 2020
