More than 75 guests attended the opening of Elemental Forces at the Millicent Gallery on Friday evening, celebrating both the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival and ten years of the Limestone Coast Art Collective.
Presented by seven collective members, the exhibition explores the elemental forces that shape the natural world through a diverse range of artistic mediums. The group exhibits biannually as part of the SALA Festival, and this year marks their fifth exhibition together over ten years.
The collective began with four artists – Julie Ann McEwen, Margaret Hage, Carol Baxter and Merryn Marshall. Over the years it has grown to also include Kerrie Head, Tanya Hunter and Barbara Martin, while also acknowledging the valuable contributions of past members Sandra Hart, Karen Talanskas and Suzanne Brierley-Westall.
In officially welcoming guests, Mayor Des Noll congratulated the artists, volunteers and supporters involved in the exhibition, encouraging visitors to experience the creativity and unique perspectives reflected in each work.
"As you look around the gallery," he said, "you will discover an inspiring range of artistic expression, including a diverse range of works spanning painting, ceramics, textiles, printmaking and mixed media. Every work invites us to pause, reflect and see the natural world through fresh eyes."
Opening the exhibition, respected artist and educator Cate Bell praised the quality of the work on display and highlighted the collaborative installation as a powerful reflection of the group's creativity, connection and artistic growth over the past decade.
She was particularly impressed by the collaborative installation created for Elemental Forces—a sculptural artwork featuring a book page from each artist representing one of the elemental forces. The individual pages are united by a striking red cord leading to a kite caught among tree branches, symbolising wind and the interconnectedness of the artists' creative journeys.
Speaking on behalf of the Limestone Coast Art Collective, artist Tanya Hunter said each member had brought their own unique interpretation of the elemental forces that shape the natural world.
"Elemental Forces is more than an exhibition of artworks, It celebrates ten years of friendship, shared learning and creative exploration, while reflecting the beauty, complexity and fragility of nature."
Elemental Forces is on display at the Millicent Gallery throughout the SALA Festival, inviting visitors to experience the creativity, friendship and artistic evolution of a group whose shared passion has flourished over ten years.
Visitors are also invited to meet members of the Limestone Coast Art Collective during the exhibition. Artists will be at the Millicent Gallery on 4 August, 6 August, 11 August, 20 August and 4 September, offering an opportunity to hear firsthand about their artistic journeys and the inspiration behind their exploration of Elemental Forces.
For session times and details of which artists will be attending, see the exhibition program or follow the Millicent Gallery's social media channels.
