The Mercato on Byron Masters
If you’ve visited Mercato on Byron you will have noticed the captivating public artworks that give this precinct its truly Byron Bay vibe.
Two local artists, Nyree Mackenzie and Woody from Eastern Forge, have collaborated on two of the pieces: ‘Feather Chair’ and ‘The Big Scrub’, while a third artwork by local aboriginal artist Lois Cook will be installed at the travelator entrance to the precinct.
This is a unique partnership between Mercato on Byron joint venture partners developers Azzura Investments Limited and Wingate and the local arts community.
“Mercato on Byron has such a distinct Byron flavour, thanks to the use of natural, raw and recycled materials in the fit out – and the addition of stunning local artworks is the icing on the cake!” said Nyree Mackenzie.
As well as the art pieces incorporated into the building itself, Mercato on Byron also boasts the Garasu Art Studio and Gallery – an extension of the established Garasu Lodge – where more than twelve artists from south east Queensland will be featured when the precinct opens.
The precinct’s entire design concept has been created by Byron Bay interior designer Nyree Mackenzie, who has also overseen the retail shop fit-outs to ensure the relaxed coastal feel and affinity for the environment is consistent throughout.
It is the first retail precinct in Australia to be awarded Green Building Council Australia Five Star Green Star Retail Centre Design v1 2018 for its low carbon footprint.
“Mercato on Byron is so much more than a shopping complex.
“It’s a haven for the artistic brilliance of the region, from oil paintings and landscape drawings to resin sculpture, ceramics and glass work, I’m so excited to be able to showcase the talent of the regions’s artistic community to the two million annual visitors to Byron Bay,” said Nyree Mackenzie.
Artists including Ian Tremewan, Lorraine Abernethy, Mal Leckie, Leisa O’Brien, Otto Schmidinger, John Turton and Manuela Pilz will be exhibited alongside sculptors Damian Berrili, Ilia Chidzey, Stephen Baxter and Jutta Pilz at the new gallery.
