He is an institution in Clunes, where his gruff character and small shop are a talking point among locals.

Because of his fame, and ability to still work 12 hours a day, seven days a week, Bob Lowne is to become the subject in an art project in the form of a papier mache sculpture.

The project, Embedded Lives, will feature up to six people from the Clunes community.

Primary school pupils and Wesley College students will help to make the models.

Last Wednesday Ballarat Federal Labor MP Catherine King announced that the backers of the project, Rosalind Lawson and Lynden Nicholls, had received about $12,000 from the Regional Arts Fund to support the project.

Ms Nicholls said the project had the support of the community and was creating excitement among locals.

"The sculptures are going to be made out of what makes the lives of the characters we are focusing on," she said.

"Maybe if we can talk him (Mr Bob) into it we will shred up one of his old aprons and use the fibres to make the paper, so something of the people is embedded in the actual sculptures.

"(The sculptures) will range in size from tiny to big hanging works and we are going to incorporate some photographic elements in that realisation."

It is hoped the works will be displayed at the Bottle Museum and will tie in with the successful Back To Booktown event.

Ms King encourages artists and communities to take advantage of the funding opportunity.

"By promoting vibrancy in the arts, we encourage a positive self-image in communities," she said.

Artists can apply for up to $15,000 in funding for a regional arts project. Visit www.rav.net.au/funding-and-resour ces to apply.

Grants of up to $5000 are also available for small cultural projects involving professional and regional artists.

To apply phone Verity Higgins on 5320th5888 or email vhiggins@rav.net.au

Applications close Monday, August 10.