WHEN Andrew Davis met Tracey Irwin last month, he did not realise where the conversation would lead.
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After a short conversation about yarn bombing, Ms Irwin began talking about a parcel she had received.
“[It] turned out to be a painting that’s been travelling around the world,” Mr Davis said.
“It’s a work in progress, that anyone is welcome to add to.”
The painting is titled Ketje Vadrouille, and has its own Facebook page.
It originated from Tony Weyers of Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium.
But, it’s connection to Muswellbrook goes back even further than its recent arrival.
Ms Irwin went on student exchange to Belguim more than 30 years ago, where she met Mr Weyers’ wife.
“Tony has three of these works that are travelling around the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific,” Mr Davis said.
Ketje Vadrouille began its travels in 2010, and has had around 14 people add to it.
Mr Davis went to have a look at the painting shortly after meeting Ms Irwin.
“Tracey had done some work on it,” he said.
“It had been parked for a while, as she had shown it to a few other local artists.
“None of them could think of what to do with it.
“I took it on the Friday, added some to it on the Sunday and then posted an article about it on my Facebook page, and got two responses to my offer, for someone else to work on it.”
On Tuesday, August 16, Mr Davis posted it on to former Muswellbrook High School art teacher Merrill Dixon.
Those who have painted on the canvas have also added their signatures to the back.
“Myself, Tracey Irwin and Merrill Dixon of Muswellbrook, have added to the work,” Mr Davis said.
The journey of each work is documented on the Ketje Vadrouille Facebook page, including the recent Upper Hunter additions.
“Adding to the work was a different experience, which I enjoyed,” Mr Davis said.