While we have all been in lockdown, local artists Michael Glasheen, Leslie McLeod, and Leesa Knights have been busy creating public artworks for the new Surf Lifesaving Clubs at Mona Vale and Long Reef.

Both works form part of the broader Coast Walk Public Art project and respond to the sites’ natural environment surroundings.

Michael Glasheen and Leslie McLeod: Mona Vale Surf Lifesaving Club

Local artist Michael Glasheen is collaborating with Aboriginal artist Leslie McLeod. Together they have created designs inspired by local rock engravings of the Ku-ring-gai peoples and informed by engagement with the local Aboriginal community.

Michael Glasheen has been a pioneering artistic force since the 1960s and a Northern Beaches local for over 25 years. Aboriginal cultural leader Leslie McLeod hails from Yuin Country but lives and works locally.

Their designs, including shield and marine life forms, will be incorporated into public seating and concrete columns around the new Mona Vale Surf Club cafe.

Leesa Knights: Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club

Local artist Leesa Knights is creating a two-dimensional artwork that integrates into concrete seating in the public spaces around the new Long Reef Surf Lifesaving Club building.

Leesa is a multi-disciplinary artist who is inspired by the beauty of nature and the afterlife of objects.  She is driven by the philosophy of salvage and the infinite challenge of creative reuse. She often repurposes and transforms discarded objects gathered from public places, making them into works that comment on our environment and ‘throw-away’ society.

Construction of both clubs are well underway and will be complete in early 2022, weather permitting.

Find out more about the Coast Walk Public Art project.