Local artist Mike McLean has placed paintings of Willie wagtail birds around Torquay and the Surf Coast to spread joy [1].
The project transforms the local landscape into an interactive gallery, encouraging families to engage with their environment by hunting for the hidden artworks [1].
McLean has distributed hundreds of these paintings across the region [3]. The initiative began in Torquay, Victoria, but the artist said the project will eventually reach a global audience [1], [2].
By using the Willie wagtail, a bird common to the area, as his subject, McLean connects the local wildlife with the community. The paintings serve as a scavenger hunt for residents and visitors, turning a simple walk through the Surf Coast into an exploration of art and nature [2].
This grassroots effort focuses on the psychological benefit of unexpected art. The placement of the birds is designed to create moments of surprise and delight for those who stumble upon them during their daily routines [1].
While the current focus remains on the Victoria coastline, the project's framework allows for expansion. McLean said he aims to export this concept of community-based joy to other parts of the world, potentially inviting other artists to participate in similar regional hunts [1], [2].
“Paintings of the Willie wagtail bird have been placed around Torquay and the Surf Coast to spread joy.”
This project reflects a growing trend of 'guerrilla art' used for community wellness and place-making. By integrating art into public spaces without formal galleries, the initiative lowers the barrier to cultural engagement and fosters a shared sense of discovery among residents.
