Pat, the Dog finally sits in Yarragon

A new landmark has hit West Gippsland – “Pat, the Dog” taking pride of place along the Princes Fwy at Yarragon.

The white dog sculpture sporting a vibrant mosaic coat has certainly caught the eye of passing motorists since taking its place next to the Yarragon Train Station and Baw Baw Arts Alliance’s Station Gallery.

The journey to bring Pat to Yarragon has been much longer than anticipated due to COVID delays.

The Baw Baw Arts Alliance project began in 2019 when local artists Jessie McLennan and Janet Wyllie successfully obtained a community art grant from Regional Arts Victoria.

Following 18 months of work, a concrete plinth was installed about the month ago incorporating community-created mosaic squares.

After a drying process, the Pat sculpture was finally installed, and Janet Wyllie could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Janet said the white certainly stood out to freeway traffic and feedback had been “all good”.

The two-metre high sculpture weighs 500 kilograms, as does the concrete plinth which serves as the base.

More than 100 people have been involved in the creation of Pat through mosaic workshops at various venues including the Warragul Arts Market, Drouin Ficifolia Festival, Warragul Community House and within small groups.

“Pat, the Dog” will officially open on Friday, August 6 with a small celebration.