Work of art: The artistic mouse on the front of McKellars Picture Framing in Corio St, Shepparton.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
The Shepparton Mouse Hunt is set to bring some colour and community fun to the area, all while supporting Shepparton FoodShare and giving local businesses a boost.
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The cute characters are the work of local artist Tank and depict the theme of the business they call home – enjoying a coffee, sipping a cold drink or picking up a paintbrush.
“I painted a mouse years ago on Little Lipari cafe and just kept hearing overwhelming support for it,” Tank said.
“When I painted my caravan mural in Fryers St I painted little COVID mice – collecting toilet paper, wearing masks, getting homeschooled and things like that which garnered more support.
“Knowing the work I’ve done on the cows and the kids love going to see them, I thought it’d be good to do something like that – so it brings people to see where the businesses are and what they do.
“Already for me I’ve been going around to businesses I didn’t even know existed.”
Work in progress: Tank is donating 20 per cent from each mice to Shepparton FoodShare.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
The ‘tourist mouse’ added to the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre front window on July 2 is the sixth Tank has painted so far.
He’s got 30 more businesses already lined up and will put a limit on about 100 mice, at which point a map will be drawn up and the Shepparton Mouse Hunt will begin.
But there’s a bit of work to be done yet.
Each mouse takes Tank about an hour to paint, depending on how involved the work is and what the mouse is doing.
“This stage is about getting the mice out there and the businesses involved, whilst all along raising money for charity,” Tank said.
“I really love FoodShare I think it’s an amazing charity; it’s local and there’s not much more important to me than being able to have something to eat.
Ready to see the sights: The ‘tourist mouse’ at the Greater Shepparton Visitor Centre.
Photo by
Anna McGuinness
“Most people don’t ever go through missing out on dinner or a whole day’s worth of food so I think it’s a no brainer really to support it.”
The mice will start appearing more and more but the ‘hunt’ won’t officially begin for a month or two once Tank’s finished painting, then the real fun will begin.
And more ideas are flowing on, such as collection boxes for gold coin donations and networking events – cheese nights, to stay on theme – for businesses that have participated.
“I’ve had a lot of support already and it’s good to see the Greater Shepparton City Council supporting it, that’s why I’m here painting one at the visitor centre,” Tank said.
For those who can’t wait, the other first few mice can be found at the library, the Shepparton Brewery, the MilkBar, McKellars Picture Framing and on the Jam Packed Coffee and Donuts van.
It’s hoped the idea will capture both tourists and locals alike and Tank plans to create Facebook and Instagram pages to promote the locations of the mice.
Businesses wanting to join the mouse hunt can contact Tank on 0407 043 913 or message Tank Art on Facebook.
Mice are $100 with 20 per cent donated to Shepparton FoodShare.
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