July 17, 2020 - Innisfail Shire Hall Foyer Gallery showcases rare architectural drawings of grand Art Deco building
Art-deco architecture enthusiasts are offered a rare chance to appreciate the intricate designs of the grand original Johnstone Shire Hall, now known as the Innisfail Shire Hall, in a special gallery showcase in the Hall’s Foyer Gallery.
Architect Gayle Plunkett has taken artist-in-residence at Council’s community art space with a collection of nineteen hand-drawn detailed sketches of the 90-year Shire Hall building created for its restoration following Cyclone Larry which ravaged the Cassowary Coast in March 2006.
Gayle Plunkett collaborated with Michael Johnson from the Mission Beach company Magar Constructions on the $17 million reconstruction which took a painstaking four years to complete from 2006 to 2009.
The exhibition is a snapshot of the detailed hand drawn sketches by Gayle who was engaged as the restoration project architect envisioning the final restoration to the State Heritage listed building which was originally built in the 1930’s.
The Innisfail Shire Hall Foyer Gallery Community Art Space is a partnership between Council with cultural organisations and groups to offer local artists, community groups and educational bodies a free public gallery space to display and promote their work.
The Gallery is currently open under COVID-19 social distancing requirements from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday, located at 70 Rankin St, Innisfail.
To issue an expression of interest to showcase artwork at the gallery go to https://www.cassowarycoast.qld.gov.au/community-art-space.
Quotes attributed to Cassowary Coast Regional Councillor for Community and Culture, Cr. Trudy Tschui:
“I encourage everyone who has an interest in Art Deco buildings, or has simply admired our grand Innisfail Shire Hall from afar to come and see these drawings to truly appreciate how intricate its architecture is in these drawings.”
“This is a good opportunity to also remind our community that Council offers the Innisfail Shire Hall foyer as a community gallery space free-of-charge, which is a great way to showcase the diverse and unique culture throughout our region.”
Quotes attributed to Architect, Gayle Plunkett:
“It was such a pleasure to be able to contribute to the restoration of the Johnstone Shire Hall.
“The full team of skilled tradespeople and professionals worked with the single aim of giving back to Innisfail a building that was once again a focal point and symbol of optimism and enthusiasm.
“This being especially important after the devastating effects of Cyclone Larry in the region which, coincidentally, paralleled in many ways the years of depression during which the Hall was built.”
“As a much-loved building that has key cultural significance in the township, it rested upon us to ensure its prominence was retained long into the future which was a heavy but thoroughly enjoyable burden to carry.
“I’m amazed now that my simple sketches are able to be enjoyed this way.”
“Today the Hall once again stands proudly in the streetscape of Innisfail and continues to serve the community as it has from inception that is what truly matters.”
Media contact 0417 721 754 | comms@ccrc.qld.gov.au