Bringing Cherry Lake’s history to life

Sea Flowers and Lake Stories project director Donna Jackson with one of the 14 sea flowers installed at Altona's Cherry Lake. (Damjan Janevski) 325724_01

Local stories about the significance of Cherry Lake to Altona’s history will be the key feature of a new art installation.

In collaboration with Art and Industry Projects and Hobsons Bay council, the ‘Sea Flowers and Lake Stories’ installation will be open for all at Altona’s Cherry Lake until Sunday, April 23, including 14 large sea flower sculptures.

The new moulds of the sculptures are from local Spotswood signwriter Tony Mead, based on a Tasmanian art project from Sandra Lancaster first commissioned in 2007.

Project director Donna Jackson said people are welcome to come down and bring a picnic to the lake’s edge for a special performance on Saturday, April 22 from 5pm to 7pm, including a special performance from Williamstown’s MDX dance school.

“Bring a picnic dinner and rug, or foldout chair, and hear water inspired music and local lake stories about this spot and what it means to people locally,” she said.

“As the sun sets, there will be small kayaks on the water and performance at the water’s edge.

“Discover the history of the lake from marshland to car racetrack to what is now home for water birds and other small creatures.”

Visitors can also scan QR codes found around the lake to hear personal stories from local residents about what Cherry Lake means to them.

Ms Jackson said the lake meant a lot to the local community.

“It’s a very loved space,” she said.

“There’s stories about how Cherry Lake has been used by Melbourne Water as a run off from Cherry Creek to stop Seaholme from flooding.”

Details: artandindustryfestival.com.au

Matthew Sims