Kate Millington – Mosaic Artist – Grey Lynn Community Centre

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Ever wondered who brought the vibrant mosaic to life at the front of the Grey Lynn Community Centre? The artist behind this welcoming landmark is Kate Millington, an Australian-born mosaic artist who has called Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand home for many years. Her artistic journey includes studies at the Sydney College of the Arts and a Master’s degree from Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland.

Kate  Millington has enriched public and private spaces with her intricate mosaics. Her portfolio spans a diverse range of projects:

Public Art Murals: Millington is renowned for her large-scale public mosaic murals throughout Auckland. Beyond the prominent piece at the Grey Lynn Community Centre, her impressive works include the expansive 35-meter mural on Surrey Crescent, also in Grey Lynn.

These murals often serve as visual narratives, reflecting the unique character of the local environment and the stories of the community.

Community Projects: The mosaic at the Grey Lynn Community Centre stands as a testament to her commitment to community engagement. This project involved local sponsors and was envisioned as a way to connect the present with the area’s rich history and environment. Additionally, Millington created a mosaic entrance sign for Titirangi, demonstrating her dedication to enhancing public spaces (though sadly, it was later stolen).

While recent exhibition details may not be readily available, Millington’s public artworks in Auckland offer an ongoing opportunity to experience her artistic vision. Her creations frequently explore themes of community spirit, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity, weaving these elements into her intricate mosaic designs.

The Diversity Mural Mosaic, completed in November 2006, exemplifies these themes. Spanning an impressive 69 square meters at the intersection of Surrey Crescent and Great North Road in Grey Lynn, this mural celebrates the area’s long-standing reputation as a multicultural hub. Millington’s intention was to create a unifying artwork, using stylized imagery from various cultures to convey a message of cooperation and co-habitation. The culminating archway, inscribed with the powerful words “many people one community,” reinforces the idea that embracing difference can foster understanding and peaceful coexistence. This significant community artwork was made possible through funding from the Western Bays Community Board and sponsorship from the Friedlander Trust.

Kate Millington’s connection to Grey Lynn runs deep; she has resided there for 17 years. Her artistic foundation was built upon her Bachelor’s degree from the Sydney College of the Arts, followed by her Master’s degree from Elam School of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she is the mother of two children, Petra and Jas.