The annual art show, which attracts student exhibitors from Kindergartens, Primary Schools and Secondary Schools from across the Fleurieu Peninsula, is a feature in the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival and plays a key role in highlighting the talent and creativity of young and emerging artists.
Local artist, jewellery maker and former Investigator College graduate Amber Black will return to speak at this year’s exhibition opening, where she hopes to encourage this year’s exhibitors to continue their artistic practice.
“For the exhibiting students, exhibiting in the SALA Art Show is about confidence and opportunity. The show is a great first opportunity for young artists to exhibit their work, and provides a meaningful reason to create new work or produce a special piece.”
“To show work, have people appreciate the effort, and to receive positive feedback from the public – this is the sort of encouragement that can excite and inspire a young artist. The SALA show acts as a gateway; the more emerging artists that have a positive experience with exhibiting, the more they are likely to exhibit in the future – or even find a way to turn their creative practice into a vocation.”
In preparing for the show, the opportunity to exhibit and to publicly showcase the area’s young artistic talent has been welcomed by the students and, in many cases has provided the catalyst for the production of new work. For Year 11 students, Chloe Fallins and Myla Wegener, it represents a chance to share their work with a new audience.
“[The SALA Schools Art Show] provides younger artists, like us, with even more motivation to create a piece of art, knowing that it will be seen and appreciated by others.”
“It’s a great way for us to begin working our way into the industry, to have our work be discussed, and to meet people who might open doors to new opportunities.”
While historically well-attended by parents and families from each of the participating schools, this year the organizing committee are hoping to broaden the reach and encourage art-loving members of the community to spend an hour or two exploring the exhibition. Speaking on behalf of the show organisers, Visual Arts and Media teacher, Mrs. Zoe Crichton, says the public support has real value.
“Having people attend this show is so important for the students. The confidence they get from exhibiting inspires them to continue creating and making, and to exhibit in future shows. The gateway effect is real, and many students who have a positive first experience with exhibiting in SALA continue to participate and contribute to the production of art in our local communities. It’s free to attend, but so valuable for our future artists – we encourage everyone to come along!”
The 2023 SALA Schools Art Show Exhibition is free to attend, and will take place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August, in the Performing Arts and Sports Centre at Investigator College.
For more information, please visit: www.investigator.sa.edu.au/sala
