IT WAS a special occasion at Fish Creek Memorial Hall on Tuesday, a large number of people celebrating the 99th birthday of popular and creative local Mary Grace Whyte and the unveiling of stunning mosaic works she created with her daughter Isabel.
The mosaics run alongside the pathway next to the hall that is used by those attending the town’s kindergarten, the mosaic display certain to delight passing children.
Youngsters such as Georgie and Charlie Wilde were already enthusiastically exploring the display shortly after the unveiling.
Rather than one large design, there are numerous individual tiles, each with its own mosaic delights.
Vibrant birds and other animals as well as the letters of the alphabet enlivened what would otherwise have been a dull low garden wall.
The names of Mary Grace and Isabel are featured on an ingenious Scrabble-inspired tile.
While Isabel designed the mosaics, Mary Grace threw herself into the project performing tasks such as making required cuts from base glass and gluing pieces to the tiles.
“She’s got so much energy and I thought I would like to keep her busy,” Isabel said of her mum.
Samara Cunningham relished the chance to reflect on the significance of the day, giving a brief speech at the relaxed unveiling ceremony, saying it was wonderful to celebrate the mosaic and Mary Grace’s milestone.
“This mosaic embodies everything that’s positive in our world right now; it has heart, creativity, connection and a vision for what art can bring to small communities,” Samara said.
Mary Grace was described as “a force of nature”, Samara noting her artistic passion and unstoppable energy for creative pursuits, adding Isabel exhibits the same traits.
“She was out here on those hot days and rainy days,” Samara said of Isabel’s dedication.
“It gives me great pleasure to officially open our new Fish Creek mosaic,” Samara declared.
During the celebrations for Mary Grace, ‘Happy Birthday’ was played on the hall’s recently arrived Yamaha Grand Piano, attendees later singing the song again.
It was a joyous afternoon with a generous spread of food, this hungry scribe drawn to the scrumptious apple strudel.
No doubt everyone looks forward to an epic event when Mary Grace brings up her century and who knows what creative flair she and her daughter will show in the meantime.
