Melbourne’s famed and beloved street art continues to grow with a new community art project coming to Templestowe Village Shopping Centre.  

Beginning on Wednesday 31 January, Melbourne-based, multi-award winning fine artist, Julian Clavijo, will create his latest masterpiece, overlooking a community gathering area at Templestowe Village Shopping Centre. 

An internationally renowned artist, Julian’s work was commissioned for the 2017 Grand Prix and also feature in Melbourne’s famed Hosier Lane. 

“The yet-to-be-named piece features Alexandra, the daughter of Templestowe Village’s Alexandra The Great owner, Milton Tsanatelis, surrounded by birds” he said.  

“Children represent humanity and an age of innocence with the ability to dream big, whereas birds represent the freedom to dream without limits.  

“Together, I like to remind people to dream without limits.”

Mr Tsanatelis said he commissioned the work with Council’s support as a way of saying thank you to the community that has welcomed him so openly.  

“As a relatively new business, we have been overwhelmed by the support of locals and the family spirit that flows through Templestowe Village,” he said. 

“Alexandra has a lovingly infectious personality which Julian has captured perfectly. I can’t wait to share a piece of my family with the community.”

Manningham Council Mayor Cr Andrew Conlon said Manningham had a proud visual art history, with many painters, ceramicists and mid-century artists living and working in the region. 

“With a significant collection of galleries, studios, museums and public art across the municipality, Council is excited to kick off the year by expanding its community street art,” he said.  

“We’re honoured to have artist Julian Clavijo share his passion and talents and contribute to Manningham’s art scene.”

The community is invited to visit Julian’s masterpiece at Alexandra The Great at 27 Anderson Street Templestowe.  

Julian’s award-winning works are found in private and public collections in more than 28 countries around the world. He is an alumni of RMIT University where he completed a Masters of Arts (Art in Public Spaces), with a focus on urban space transformation through pattern and colour shifts in the urban landscape. 

Photograph and interview opportunities are available.