Chorus cabinet art winners chosen

Nelson’s lush landscape, the ocean, and a family of fungi will feature on four of Nelson’s Chorus cabinets as the final designs from the latest round of the Chorus Art Cabinet mural submissions are chosen.

Arts Council Nelson ran the competition to find four winning designs to transform two medium and two small Chorus cabinets into works of art on behalf of Nelson City Council and Chorus.

The winning designs, reviewed by Council’s Arts Selection Panel, belong to Samara Davis, Jasmine McLean and Amber Sisarich.

The cabinets chosen to receive a makeover are on the corner of Atawhai Dr and Paremata St, on Main Rd Stoke and two on Tahunanui Dr.

Samara’s mural is destined for the cabinet on the corner of Atawhai Dr/Paremata St, which had a design brief of embracing the Māori meaning of the word Atawhai – “to show kindness” or “to foster”.

Her design, called Ko Wai Ahau, uses kowhaiwhai to express the flow of water. Her design is a response to climate change, rising sea levels and water pollution, areas where the notion of “showing kindness” are key, she says.

Jasmine McLean’s work will adorn two Chorus cabinets on Tahunanui Drive. Both designs, Shine Bright and Electric Fauna, reflect the beauty of Nelson’s native environment, and one includes a rainbow to show togetherness and acceptance.

Amber Sisarich’s design, Fungi of Aotearoa, explores the mysterious world of mushrooms and fungi. The fascinating and diverse world of fungi is often overlooked, says Amber, and her design aims to give them some time in the limelight.

Work on the boxes will begin as soon as the artists are ready.