Community contributions from Springvale and throughout the City of Greater Dandenong, Victoria have seen an unusual tree created in Harmony Square.
The Tree of Life has materialised with the help of installation artists Robina Summers and Margaret Summerton, and has become a popular place to make a wish for visitors to the annual Cultural Threads festival.
Coloured white and adorned with butterflies, flowers and a host of wishes that are growing with each day, the tree is an example of the creative spirit that exists within the city, according to Summers.
She said creating such a graphic design for the busy central area was made possible by community members including adults and school children, who have contributed small art pieces for inclusion.
The Summers and Summerton design team then combine the collection of diverse pieces to create one huge art installation such as the Tree of Life.
Summers said, as a result, the trunk of the wishing tree is made from a combination of satin, torn synthetic silk and marine cord.
Chains used to make the tree trunk were knitted by primary students from schools in Noble Park and Keysborough, while the leaves were created by Open Door, flowers were courtesy of the Tamil Women’s Group and the poppies came from last year’s Poppies for Peace project.
The Cultural Threads celebration, which ends on August 31, has seen many colourful and intricate installations on display throughout the area.
