Mayor Peta Pinson has accepted the gift of a $110,000 painting donated by Mid-North Coast artist Sharon Davson to the Port Macquarie-Hastings community.
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Cr Pinson accepted the painting entitled 'Journeys of Belonging' at a presentation with Ms Davson at the Glasshouse forecourt on June 11.
The piece features an autographed handprint by famous Australian producer and director Baz Luhrmann, depictions of the Glasshouse, Tacking Point's lighthouse and Nobby Head.
"The generosity of Sharon Davson cannot be underestimated," Cr Pinson said.
"This gift, which I believe is valued at $110,000, is an individualist artwork by an internationally renowned artist.
"Ms Davson has connections to this area and she has donated previous artworks which are held in the Glasshouse vault.
"Our vision is for the art is not to keep it in one place, but move it around the community so many people can see and be inspired by it.
"I'd like to see our community be able to enjoy it."
Ms Davson is known for more than 120 artworks made with symbols of spirituality, peace and the environment since 1984.
The painting displays a white-bellied sea eagle with talons outstretched, a golden set of scales, purple coral-vine flowers, a key, menorah and Ms Davson's trademark jigsaw pieces.
However there was a last minute alteration before it was donated.
"If I'm really serious it only got finished at midnight last night (June 10) when I added a 1cm red and white cross," said Ms Davson.
"I started it in February and it has only been finished a week ago.
"Initially I was concentrating more on Baz (Luhrmann) for the film strip, then the Glasshouse which has all the performances in it for visual arts.
"After that I went on a bit of a tourist hunt and that's when I found out these flowers (purple coral-vine).
"I found out about their medicinal connection to the community going back quite a way and so they really had to feature."
Ms Davson's artworks are usually commissioned by individuals and corporations before being created, however she has donated artwork previously which is held at the Glasshouse.
Cr Pinson said this artwork was recognising the Glasshouse building's bright future.
"The artwork speaks volumes. It recognises the Glasshouse as a premier venue of the arts and culture where plays, theatre and music are all celebrated," Cr Pinson said.
"I think the Glasshouse, while it had an unstable beginning, certainly has a solid foundation within the community and is pretty much embraced now."
Ms Davson now hopes to finish her biographical book titled 'Art with Love and Gratitude', which is being edited by Celia Berrell with inclusions from prominent supporters.
The book features around 45 testimonials including NSW Minister for the Arts Don Harwin, former Australian Governor General Bill Hayden, former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and Paul Keating, NSW premiers Gladys Berejiklian and Nick Greiner, Formula One and IndyCar world champion Sir Nigel Mansell as well as the first person to climb Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary.
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