Brick work hits home (mention)

Source: Waikato Times print edition

11 June 2009

By BEN STANLEY

Hamilton city councillor Maria Westphal reckons a small brick caravan has what it takes to become the city's newest artistic icon.

Currently parked in front of ArtsPost on Victoria St, the 4.2 metre long, 2.6 metre high caravan titled "Holidays in Huntly" is under the custodianship of Waikato Museum, but the west ward councillor wants the city to buy it.

"I walked up when I saw this thing and said we've just got to have that, " Mrs Westphal said.

The caravan was created by Auckland-based ceramic artist Peter Lange and is made from Huntly brick.

It has been parked in its central city spot since last December, when it was a part of the Waiclay National Ceramics exhibition at ArtsPost, and Mrs Westphal said the fact it had not been damaged was an indication of public respect for the work.

"It just seems to attract people in a good sense."

Whether or not the "icon of Kiwiana" joins the ranks of Riff Raff and the sculptures outside Hamilton Gardens as the one of the city's cultural icons could be dependent on its price-tag - $24,000.

Mrs Westphal said some of the funds could come from Hamilton City Council's public art fund, and said sponsorship or donations would also be of assistance.

She said the caravan could even become a mobile attraction, with Claudelands and Garden Place possible destinations.