A GROUP of passionate creatives are joining forces to restore the mosaic panels along the Coolum Boardwalk, and they will also be making a series of mosaic totem poles. They are inviting everyone to join them on these collaborative art projects.

Each Thursday from March 5, the ‘boardwalk art renewal project’ group will be meeting at the Coolum HeARTs shed on the corner of Elizabeth and Sunrise Avenue in Coolum from 1.30 pm, and people who want to take part just need to come along at the time, and members from the group will be there to instruct participants.

There is no cost, and no prior registration is required; a keen desire to get creative is definitely a must and only over 18s due to safety requirements.

Group facilitator Les said that the mosaic projects were all about “breaking down barriers to artistic participation.”

“We really want community engagement and for the community to co-design the new panels and to be involved in the decision-making process and to make pieces for the totem poles.”

The 10 boardwalk panels were made and installed five years ago, and many are now showing signs of wear and damage, so a refresh is required. It is hoped that the community will foster the direction that these new panels take, with the main aim to highlight the local region, such as incorporating surf safety and local flora and fauna.

The smaller and more accessible totem poles project will see each pole adorned with individual mosaics such as butterflies and birds – art pieces which are easily made by beginners.