Local artists expanding their horizons

You could argue it was the perfect opening night for the Millicent Gallery’s SALA Exhibition – Wide Horizons.

There were some new patrons, plenty of familiar faces and the participating artists sold some work as the Limestone Coast Art Collective unveiled their 2024 offering.

Around 80 people enjoyed the friendly hospitality and art on show, taking the opportunity to chat with the participating artists from the Limestone Coast Art Collective.

Riddoch Art and Culture Centre director Ashleigh Watling delivered an inspirational and thought provoking speech as she officially opened the month long exhibition.

Participating artist Julie Ann McEwen said it was a wonderful evening.

Every year the Millicent Library and Gallery proudly supports local Artists during SALA.

This year South Australian Living Artist Festival includes more than 700 venues participating across the state during the month of August, providing opportunities to celebrate SA Living Artists.

Each of the artists came at the exhibition theme from a different perspective.

CAROL BAXTER:

“The things that stay with me are the emotions that each of these things leave, sometimes long afterwards. These emotions become the stuff of my dreams. I try to capture these feelings in my work and express the effect they have on me.”

MARGARET HAGE:

“My immediate thoughts on the decision to explore the theme ‘Wide Horizons’ for your SALA Exhibition wandered back to me childhood considering how this theme has prevailed and influenced my life and my work.”

MERRYN MARSHALL:

“Thank you dad – I didn’t know that I could. Take strips of glass, and slivers of mirror, Join them together with glitter to shimmer. Experiment with guitars and copper wire. Transform into art on a whim or desire. Time is up, SALA is here, so now to deliver, This collection I hope, is a winner.”

KERRIE HEAD:

“Producing a body of work that is representative of the theme ‘Wide Horizons’ has certainly been challenging for me. I have extended my works to include a number of different materials…these have provided the opportunity to experiment and develop new skills.”

TANYA HUNTER:

“The thing about Wide Horizons is that they are not finite. They don’t actually have a beginning or an end. If we take a step in any direction, it simply expands our horizon by a step. If we try something new, it widens our horizon. I try to be constantly testing my artistic horizon. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but it always provides me with a wider understanding of my tools, techniques and abilities.”

JULIE ANN MCEWEN:

“Art is my happy place. Making art is good for my soul, and my well being. “Wide Horizons’ for me as an artist means endless horizons. The theme presented opportunities for me to explore different ways to present and show my Mixed Media Art. Pushing the boundaries of using traditional framing methods and exploring different ways to install and show my art work in a gallery space.”