Local historian Peter Kellett is preparing a book on the public
art work River Reflections, located along the banks of Johnstone River, in collaboration with renown Innisfail artist Sam
Di Mauro who designed and fabricated the series of eight mosaic panels in 1999 depicting the community's culture
and history.
River Reflections sculpture is a series of 8 panels in the coping
wall of Fitzgerald Esplanade, Innisfail, finished with mosaics of clay tiles, terrazzo, inlaid glass, brass and bronze, telling
the stories of Innisfail's past.
The concept design for the project was executed by Griffith University
lecturer Sam Di Mauro (born and educated in Innisfail of Italian parents) after research and consultation with a wide range
of the community, and intensive work with local artists Aboriginal/South Sea Islander Lily Hart and Rebecca Sweeney (of Irish/Scottish
origin).
A core motif is the Johnstone River with terrazzo, with ceramic
tiles of migration and river memories of the rich cultural diversity of the Johnstone Shire.
Panels depict the Mamu original owners, Irish cane industry pioneers,
recreation, disasters, food, individual sagas, the economy of the shire, and visions of the future. All were collected by
Di Mauro from his research and from local peoples' stories and is accompanied with signage.
Until the publication and CD become available tourists and local
members of the Shire can follow the story depicted in the panels through the interpretative panels alongside the art work.
Donations towards the cost of the publication can be made through
Greenant.
