Ballina Public Art – Community Art Project

Discover the creative heart of Alstonville at the Community Art Project, a stunning mosaic of ceramic tiles located in Freebourne Park.

Created by ceramic artist Ruth Park, this artwork is a true community collaboration. Ruth worked with Alstonville school students to draw and design an artwork that reflects the town’s iconic images and local themes. With the help of TAFE students, the design was brought to life as a vibrant mosaic — incorporating pieces of glass uncovered during the excavation for the Alstonville bypass, most visible in the sparkling waterfall feature.

Part of the Alstonville Main Street upgrade, the project beautifully ties past and present together. Ruth also designed the mosaic tiles embedded in the main street pavements, each representing the heritage buildings that once stood — or still stand — nearby.

Ruth Park is a celebrated ceramic artist based in Wollongbar, Northern Rivers. With a career spanning over four decades, Ruth’s work explores both functional ceramics and figurative sculpture, often drawing inspiration from cultural and social themes. She has exhibited widely and holds degrees in Applied Art, Ceramic Design, Education, and Fine Art. Alongside her artistic practice, Ruth has shared her craft through teaching sculpture and ceramics at Wollongbar TAFE.