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Fun Art workshops & classes in adelaide South

Fun art classes and workshops in Adelaide (South) - join us at Fleurieu Arthouse McLaren Vale for jewellery workshops, art classes and much more.

Looking for a fun, artistic experience for you or your family and friends? Fleurieu Arthouse in the beautiful grounds of Hardys Tintara, McLaren Vale, hosts an ever-changing array of fun art classes and workshops in everything from silver jewellery to nature journaling.

The Arthouse is often described as a local gem and visitors enjoy not only its position amongst the towering old trees of Hardys historic winery, but also the variation of artworks on display and for sale within it’s walls.

There’s a dedicated retail space, 8 purpose-built artist’s studios, each with resident artist, a gallery with a constantly changing calendar of exhibitions in addition to a coffee bar. Anyone looking for fun art workshops in Adelaide (South) need not look any further.

A corner of the retail space looking out into the grounds of Hardys Tintara

Art Classes and Art Workshops in Adelaide (South) McLaren Vale

Because Fleurieu Arthouse is quite a large space, we’re fortunate enough to be able to host a variety of artists who enjoy hosting art workshops and classes under our roof.

Many of the workshops take place directly beneath the large picture window seen in the image above. The light streams in through the glass and participants can soak up the atmosphere of the space as they work.

Some of our other workshops take place within the gallery space pictured below.

Participants in one of Studio Surf's Silver Sessions - making silver rings with sea glass and gems

What’s on and what’s coming up?

Our calendar of fun art classes and workshops is ever-changing and there’s always something new to look forward to. We do have some classes which happen more frequently than others and these include the following.

Organic Silver Ring Workshop with Shirley Wu

Shirley Wu’s Organic Silver Ring workshop is a fan favourite and often books out quite quickly. Under the expert eye of Shirley, participants create a beautiful organic silver ring out of silver clay.

Silver clay works just like air-dry clay but with one important difference. It’s loaded with real silver so that once moulded and placed in a kiln, the clay disappears, leaving behind only silver in the exact shape that you’ve modelled.

An array of silver clay rings created by participants in Shirley Wu's workshop

This means that anyone, even those with no jewellery experience, can create a gorgeous, gem-studded ring to wear or gift to a loved-one. You do not need to bring anything with you as Shirley provides all materials and once you’ve completed your ring, Shirley will fire it in her own kiln and you can come back to the Arthouse to collect it a day or two after the workshop.

Tickets for upcoming silver clay workshops can be found here.

Nature Journaling with Doctor Tabatha Forbes

As part of this year’s Nature Festival, Doctor Tabatha Forbes is offering a wonderfully relaxing Nature Journalling Workshop here at Fleurieu Arthouse. Doctor Forbes is a multi-disciplinary practicing artist, and she has devoted her arts career to working as an artist, arts administrator, writer and tutor.

The workshop will include a “mindful walk” and then move on to helping participants find their own voice and style in the creation of a nature journal.

Nature journal from Doctor Tabatha Forbes

If you’d like to join in this relaxing, nature inspired workshop, find your tickets here.

Silver Sessions with Studio Surf

Some silver rings created under the tutelage of silversmith Jasmine Swales

Dip into the art of silversmithing with Jasmine Swales of Studio Surf. Jasmine will take you through all the steps to create a stunning ring of your own design. Choose from Jasmine’s cache of sea glass, beach pebbles or cabochons and learn to make a sterling silver bezel. Your silver bezel can then be turned into a pendant or added to your handmade ring before completing the final set and polish.

Silversmithing techniques used in this session include ring forming, soldering, texturing, hand piercing, layering solder joins, bezel setting, burnishing and polishing

All materials are provided, including silver and a take-home worksheet.

Lunch will be provided for this all day workshop. Please advise any dietary requirements when booking. Get your tickets here.

Wreath Making Workshop

Join Billy of ‘From Dirt and Rain’ for a delightful workshop where creativity blooms!

In this hands-on session, you'll learn how to craft stunning, nature inspired wreaths using fresh and dried materials. Guided by Billy, you'll explore techniques for arranging and securing elements to a bespoke wreath to adorn your home or give as a thoughtful gift. All materials are provided--along with a complimentary glass of bubbles!

Get your tickets here.

Keep your finger on the pulse by following us on Instagram or Facebook or by signing up to our newsletter. All of our upcoming events and workshops are regularly updated on our events and workshops page.

We’ve got lots of exciting fun art classes and workshops in the pipeline for the coming festive season, so be sure to stay in touch!

You can find us at 202 Main Road McLaren Vale in the grounds of Hardys Tintara. Open 7 days a week from 11.00am to 4.00pm

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Pottery Classes in Adelaide

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse we are fortunate to house some of the regions’ best ceramicists and although we offer occasional pottery workshops, we can also point you in the right direction for some of the best regular ceramics classes in and around Adelaide.

Pottery and ceramics, have experienced a huge growth in popularity recently and as a result, there’s a big demand for pottery classes, or pottery lessons in Adelaide and surrounding suburbs.

Of course there’s always the option of attending regular classes at an adult learning centre with the goal of a certificate at the end of the course - but not everyone has the time for a big commitment like that.

What most people are looking for is a relaxed learning environment with a more casual feel; they want to try their hand at making a mug, under glazing, designing their own dinner plates and just having fun.

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse we are fortunate to house some of the regions’ best ceramicists and although we don’t currently offer regular pottery lessons or pottery classes in Adelaide, we do offer occasional, one-off pottery workshops. We can also point you in the right direction for some of the best regular pottery lessons in and around Adelaide.

Pottery Classes in Aldinga

Alex Linden who has a studio based in Aldinga offers an array of short courses including a 2 hour one-to-one wheel throwing class, a 3 hour one-to-one wheel throwing class and a 4 week block of wheel throwing classes with flexible session times.

A selection of Alex Linden's work at Fleurieu Arthouse

In addition to these, Alex also runs fun sessions built around constructing a specific piece such as a handcrafted vase class, mugs and jugs, make your own dinner set and coming soon, are large scale vessels and sculpture classes.

Alex’s sessions allow participants to learn the basics or to develop skills which you may already have in place. Experiment with surface decoration techniques and colour additions, grow in confidence and further your relationship with ceramics in a safe and nurturing environment.

See all options for Alex’s classes here, including group booking options.

Class sizes are kept small so you get just the right amount of attention to assist you in making your creations. Read more about Alex here or pop into Fleurieu Arthouse and see her work in our retail space.

Mieke Ceramics, also based in Aldinga Beach offers an array of pottery workshops to suit all-comers. There are sessions built around wheel throwing, pottery classes for teens, a taster workshop and neurodiverse clay workshops for NDIS participants.

Mieke’s work is also stocked here at Fleurieu Arthouse - so call in and see it during opening hours - daily between 11.00am and 4.00pm.

What to expect in a pottery lesson or workshop

When you attend a pottery lesson or workshop for the first time, it’s natural to feel some nervousness. You might wonder if you’ll be the only one with no experience - or if you will find it difficult.

Remember that the point of attending a focused pottery lesson or workshop, is to experience the medium - to learn more about it and to try it out. Nobody goes into a pottery lesson for the first time and turns out a perfect piece.

Handling clay for the first time however, is wonderful and because it is a very forgiving medium, if you make something with love, your finished project will almost certainly have its own charm.

When you first arrive at a pottery lesson, you will be shown around the various equipment and tools as well as taught a little about health and safety. You will then be guided in handling the clay - shown how to manage and work it in specific ways which are designed to ensure that you can create your piece with ease.

You may not finish your piece on your first session - especially if it is a larger piece. If this happens, that’s fine. You will be shown how to wrap it up securely so that it does not dry out - then you can unwrap it and carry on in your next session.

It may take a few sessions for you to complete a piece - unless you’re attending a shorter session designed to have your piece ready in one visit. Either way, once your work is complete, it will be left to dry thoroughly before being bisque fired and then you can glaze it ready for it’s final glaze firing

There are many ways to approach clay and glaze and your instructor will let you know all about their particular methods and how to approach things.

Once you’ve made one piece you’ll find it hard to walk away and might find yourself entering a life-long love affair with what is a wonderful art form.


FAQ about Pottery Classes

When it comes to beginning pottery, there are a lot of questions! It can be a complex subject to begin to learn about - especially when it comes to the science of ceramics. There is much to learn and this is why most people need the support of an experienced and trained professional to really get off on the right foot.

Most people certainly don’t begin their ceramics journey by installing their own kiln, wheel and shelves that’s for sure! By starting out with an established ceramicist, you’re putting yourself in the best position to learn effectively and safely.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about pottery classes and about learning the skills required to work with ceramics.

  1. Can I fire clay in an oven? - The simple answer to this is no - you can’t. Clay requires an extremely high temperature to fire and no conventional oven burns hot enough.

  2. Is it safe to eat and drink from my homemade ceramics? - Maybe. Some glazes are not food safe. If you’re planning on making mugs, plates and bowls to be used with food and drink, you should check with your teacher about this.

  3. What is glaze? Ceramic glaze, or simply glaze, is a glassy coating on ceramics. It is used for decoration, to ensure the item is impermeable to liquids and to minimise surface pollutants. Glazing an object makes it impermeable to water and adds a decorative effect.

  4. Can I hand-paint my work? Yes, this is called under-glazing and you can paint your own designs on your work with underglaze.

Start pottery classes today and boost your wellbeing

Did you know that working with clay has long been known to have a therapeutic, healing effect? The therapeutic powers of pottery are being recognised by mental health professionals across the globe - but how and why does it benefit people? One of the main benefits is that the effort-driven reward circuitry in our brains gets fired up when we use our hands and minds to engage in the creation of a piece of art.

Pottery is proven to boost mental health

This of course, makes us feel good in one of the most important ways - using our hands, touching raw clay, shaping it and moving it whilst planning our outcomes, engages body and brain together in harmony. This enables us to forget worries and stresses and to fully relax and genuinely “be in the moment”.

Another benefit of attending a pottery class in Adelaide, is of course the fact that you will meet new people. Spending time with others, whilst engaged in meaningful activities has been proven to be very effective in terms of our mental and physical wellbeing.

Stay in the loop with what’s on at Fleurieu Arthouse by checking our events and workshops page, following us on Instagram or Facebook. We are open 7 days a week between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Pop in, brows our retail space, enjoy a coffee, check out the artist’s studios and our exhbition space too! We’re in the grounds of beautiful Hardys Tintara at 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

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LOCAL - A New Group Exhibition for sala at fleurieu arthouse

Saturday, 24 August 2024, 2:00 pm
Sunday, 22 September 2024, 9:30 pm

LOCAL at Fleurieu Arthouse - Exhibition for SALA 2024

LOCAL is a new group exhibition inviting the viewer to explore the rich tapestry of the place we call home through the work of 5 artists who have come together to share their visions and their take on what LOCAL really means.

In no particular order, they are -

Bernadette Woodward

“My work begins with an idea or a question and is always about observing and exploring. My artworks are inspired by my experiences, roads I have travelled, people I have met, gardens and gifts. A South Australian living near the coast, my work often reflects the influence of Place.”

Country Drive - Bernadette Woodward

Cat Leonard

Adelaide based artist Cat paints vibrant portraits and animal art in addition to urban and scenic paintings. With a distinctive expressionistic style, her work is dynamic and full of movement.

Milo - Cat Leonard

Linden Edwards

South Australian visual artist Linden works with “wax, fibre and textiles to create contemporary works with an interplay of texture and local iconography.” Linden’s work often features text and the focus is on environmental issues, nature and memory.

RMG 4 Linden Edwards

Kathy Doley

“I paint in oil and acrylic and enjoy painting all genres. My subject and style are varied, combining a technical approach towards experimental. I love painting big bold colourful work and use an intuitive process that allows me to explore different ways to express my subjects.”

Kathy Doley

Simone Linehan

Simone’s passion for character is apparent in her work. With Jim Henson (the Muppets) and Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) among her very earliest influences, her work is reflective of the playfulness with which she views the world.

Artwork 1 - Simone Linehan

It could be said that any art conceived through inspiration found in and around an artist’s home environment would fit neatly into the theme of “local”, but when the locality is as vast and as varied as the Fleurieu Peninsula, then things can truly go in any direction.

This is what is apparent in this new group exhibition from Bernadette, Cat, Kathy, Linden and Simone - the lens through which each artist sees their local environment, is as individual as their personal style and the result is a spectacular show filled with beautiful works that range from the moving, to the unconventional and the celebratory.

We caught up with the artists involved and asked them what LOCAL means to them, what informs their practice and what inspires them.

TALKING TO ARTISTS

Fleurieu Arthouse - “How did you come to know the other artists participating in this group exhibition?

Bernadette - “I met Kathy and Cat when we worked together as tutors at Splashout Art Studios. Linden joined us through Splashout also. My connection with Simone came via Kathy, her friend, who had studied and worked with Simone. I feel fortunate to have these lovely ladies and fabulous artists in my world now and count them all as friends.”

Kathy - “I have been very fortunate to meet all these wonderful women, we have been friends and colleagues for many years…Simone Linehan – both our boys rode downhill bikes, and I attended her art classes where we connected as friends, I now teach at her studio in Unley. Bernadette Woodward and Cat Leonard – we all worked at Splashout Art Studios and have since become dear friends and painting buddies. Cat and I still teach at Splashout. I met Linden through a dear friend when we all went on a day of SALA -ing about 10 or more years ago. Recently we spoke of having an exhibition together and here we are!”

Fleurieu Arthouse - “How did the title LOCAL come about? How did it resonate with you and your work?”

Simone - “Given most of my work is more ’surreal’ than traditional, originally I was very torn with the title and how I could express my work in a way that resonated with it, however three years ago I had a magical experience seeing whales from a boat tour in Fowlers Bay. I am quite terrified of water so it took a decent amount of courage to go on the trip, but the pay off seeing these utterly magnificent creatures bursting into the air close by was astounding. Currently being in whale season it felt like a perfect union of my desire to express that experience and the show title ‘Local’.”

Linden - “Each of our work is quite distinctive and individual in subject matter and approach. The shared interest we have is an exploration of elements within our local environment and our personal expression of it. My work has been exploring the deliberate marking of trees called arboglyphs, these have been used throughout history to mark territory, events and spontaneous emotions scratched into trees. The collected images in the exhibition are from local trees, mainly eucalyptus found on my walks. Often fragmented as the bark renews itself has connections with the environment, sustainability, regeneration, and transformation. The fibre works are extensions of organic forms created from found and recycled materials.”

Fleurieu Arthouse - “Tell us about your earliest influences/early experiences in art.”

Bernadette - “There was always pencils and paper at home growing up. Mum found a local kids art class for me and my brother. I loved it. Also, my grade five teacher, Mrs Marchant, actually always found time in the week to include some form of art lesson. Her enthusiasm showed us that it was something to be valued. Impressive when you knew she had forty plus grade 5 and 6 kids in the room.”

Linden - “I grew up in New Zealand and attended art school there before returning to Australia. Art has been a lifelong love and was always the path I wanted to follow. The last few years have offered an opportunity to dedicate more time to creating, which has been fabulous. Early artists who influenced how I saw the world were mainly New Zealand artists in particular Colin McCahon and Ralph Hotere and Australian painter John Olsen. Coming to Australia in my mid 20’s I worked in theatre, Arts administration for the Fringe and Adelaide Festivals. The most significant community art projects around then was the Swimming Lake mosaic in Naracoorte covering 80 square metres.”

Cat - “We use to holiday at Wool Bay on the Yorke Peninsula with my grandparents and every Christmas holidays there was an art show at the Coobowie hall which we would go to with my grandpa. I use to look forward to it, loved looking at all the paintings, pottery, jewellery and textile, and would spend my holiday savings there. Grandpa would buy a painting every year and hang it up at the house which became a bit of a gallery. He collected all kinds of art, watercolour, oils, etchings, copper enamel work, drawings, tapestries and weavings, sculptures. Perhaps that’s where it started for me. I chose art as a subject in senior school, then went to art school, so dad built me a studio in the garden, and a work room in the garage when I started my own art business. I had a lot of encouragement.”

Fleurieu Arthouse - “Tell us a little about your working process and about your studio set-up.”

Cat - “My studio is at home and I get up early and do an hour or two of painting before breakfast on most days…in my PJs… and usually a few more hours during the day, every day. My painting philosophy is - make a mess then fix it with a series of corrections.”

Kathy - “I am lucky enough to have a home studio, this allows me to have the space to have many pieces on the go at once as I love to paint large. My process is very intuitive, I have a very loose plan but ultimately the painting morphs until completed.”

Simone - I currently don’t have a super studio set up… I have an excellent studio for my students in Parkside however given it is quite busy with classes there so I generally choose to work from home. For this exhibition I cleared my lounge room, popped my combustion fire and worked in there on the larger pieces. I have a spare bedroom that has currently become my studio... it’s not ideal however once the music, heater and lights are on I am in the zone so it’s doesn’t much matter then where I am! I found I was most efficient between 3pm and 9pm, although I work anytime between teaching art classes and running my business and home whenever I can.”

Linden - “I work primarily with Encaustic painting. A technique I came across many years ago in “The Artists handbook of materials and techniques” by Ralph Mayer, which sounded interesting. Knowing little about it and it not being a common medium at the time a lot of experimentation took place. Encaustic paint is made from pure beeswax blended with anatural resin called Damar Gum and pigment which makes it durable and shiny. It is applied hot and fused by heating creating multiple layers and textures to create opaque and transparent elements. Predating oil painting artworks still exist in museums from 3000 years ago. I worked for many years in a spare room inside but a lot of wax got spread throughout the house..... so now have a dedicated studio built at the end of the garden.”

Fleurieu Arthouse - “What is most important in your life for you to be able to produce your work/find inspiration?”

Bernadette - “My husband’s support and my ‘arty’ friends questions, ideas shared and joy in the privilege of this work.”

Kathy - “The most important aspect is that I am continually playing and experimenting in my practice. I am interested in producing work that has energy and connects with an audience but more importantly with me.”

Simone - “Peace! I live mainly alone (at the moment) so I have plenty of ‘me’ time which has been wonderful to be able to create without distraction or having to explain what I am working on to others. I feel large blocks of time, meditation and looking after myself both physically and mentally the best recipe for my artistic joy to express itself.

Linden - “Enough time to bring together a multitude of ideas to fruition.”

Kathy - “The most important aspect is that I am continually playing and experimenting in my practice. I am interested in producing work that has energy and connects with an audience but more importantly with me.”

Cat - “Family is important. Inspiration is everywhere, and I find that walking my dog helps me focus on ideas and clear my mind of all the clutter. Getting paint out causes me to produce because I don’t like wasting paint and I do enjoy the painting process.”

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fleurieu arthouse - a unique social enterprise in the heart of the region

Fleurieu Arthouse is a contemporary arts hub with a huge design space, studios and exhibition space.

The Arthouse, which was founded by Anna Small and Warren Pickering in 2017, is now home to a number of artists, entrepreneurs and creatives.

The venue is dedicated to showcasing the most talented artists and entrepreneurs of the region and is considered locally, to be far more than an art gallery.

Each year, the team actively support and promotes well over 100 local micro-businesses and artists in many aspects of their work.

Studios at the Arthouse

Those creatives come in all shapes - individuals who exhibit with us for a month, micro-businesses who sign up via our rental model to sell within our design space and artists working and selling in their in-house studios.

Many of our artists host workshops in the space

How does the Fleurieu Arthouse support micro-businesses and artists?

By providing a platform and a venue from which artists and artisans can sell their work, we ensure that these local gems can continue on in their quests to produce high quality handmade works.

Artist and author Nell Harris

Not all of our artists are exclusively visual artists; take Nell Harris - she’s an artist and author who has written a number of popular children’s books designed to open up the world of neurodiversity to young minds.

Her studio is where she thinks, sketches and displays a selection of her books which are also available to purchase here.

Bringing the artist closer to their audience

Whether they are producing original paintings, prints or photography, jewellery, ceramics or glass, when they join us, our artists are supported in a number of practical ways.

Earrings by Anja Jagsch

Firstly, by offering artists and creators space in a carefully curated brick and mortar storefront where locals and visitors from interstate and abroad can experience their work in person, we ensure the work is seen and experienced in person.

Being able to touch, hold and examine pieces, is a wonderful way for the public to discover work more intimately than is possible when making an online purchase.

Locals and interstate visitors really value the opportunity to meet and talk to working artists, to see their spaces, learn more about their practice and to buy direct.

Here at the Arthouse we often play host to visiting school and college students and to residents of retirement homes - the Arthouse offers an all encompassing experience with the chance to meet artists, see an exhibition, browse the design space and enjoy coffee all in one visit.

Oil on linen - Louise Vadasz

But that’s not to devalue the power of online marketing and all of our artists are featured on our website and in occasional social media posts.

Dedicated staff are present in the Arthouse 7 days a week. Each has an in-depth understanding of the works on sale as well as the skills to ensure each artist’s work is displayed to its best advantage.

Bringing value to the local community

The centre of creativity, which Fleurieu Arthouse provides, is a valuable resource for locals from all walks of life.

From the regular classes offered by two of our artists - one of whom (Artistic Claire) has no fewer than 75 families through her studio each week as she provides quality teaching to children - to the one-off workshops offered by artists of a variety of disciplines, the Arthouse is not just a place of selling but also a centre for learning.

We offer classes and workshops for both children and adults on a regular basis.

To learn the latest and upcoming timetable, visit our Events and Workshops page where you can find links to join future classes.

New additions to the Arthouse

In a response to much local interest, Cathryn Charnock has recently joined us with her bookstore Free Range Books.

Cathryn has curated a wide range of publications with something for every interest. In addition to her large selection of new books, she also offers some gently used books.

A corner of the Arthouse dedicated to Free Range Books

The latest novels, non-fiction and guides are proving a popular addition to her stock and the packed bookshelves are a great place to search for gifts for both adults and kids alike.

There are some wonderful puzzles and art supplies in the mix and you can find everything from recipe books using local produce, wine guides, art and photography to chicken keeping!

For many people, physical books still hold a charm that no e-reader can beat. The act of turning the page is part of the experience and whilst it’s true that books shouldn’t be judged by their cover, they often are! A beautifully bound book makes a lovely gift or keepsake.

Vintage homewares and preloved clothes in McLaren Vale

In addition to our bookshop, we’ve also introduced a limited range of carefully curated vintage homewares and preloved clothing.

Currently, the vintage homewares include some beautiful mid-century lamps, a small range of vintage furniture and a selection of stunning vintage ceramics and wooden objects.

Preloved clothing at Fleurieu Arthouse

If you love a bargain and you’re keen to reduce your carbon footprint, buying gently used, high quality clothing is the way forward.

With our selection of carefully chosen used clothing, you’ll often discover hard-to-find brands and designers and there are a wide range of styles and sizes on offer too.

We keep the racks refreshed, moving with the seasons, so you can find a gorgeous party dresses or a beautiful winter woolly on the same trip.

For visitors in need of a morning snack or an afternoon pick-me-up, there’s our coffee bar serving De Groot coffee and locally-baked cookies and pastries.

The Arthouse offers a peaceful yet stimulating environment for visitors to relax and unwind.

OPENING HOURS AND HOW TO FIND US

We are open daily between 11.00am and 4.00pm. Find us in the grounds of McLaren Vale Icon, Hardy’s Tintara on the Main Road. Drive or walk through the big gates and you’ll see us, just across the lawn.

Hardys Tintara makes a wonderful home for the Arthouse. The lovely gardens with their massive, old Moreton Fig tree and beautiful old gums are a peaceful spot in which visitors can take a short walk with a hot coffee.

If you’re planning a trip to McLaren Vale soon, we’re looking forward to meeting you!

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Calm before the Storm – The story behind the pictures

A good photograph, or any other form of art is made all the more meaningful by the story behind it and so I would like to tell you the story behind the photographs I took in Jerusalem and the occupied territory of the West Bank in the first week of October last year, and which I’ve chosen to show at my exhibition entitled “Calm before the Storm”.

A guest blog by Photographer Stephen Trutwin

A good photograph, or any other form of art is made all the more meaningful by the story behind it and so I would like to tell you the story behind the photographs I took in Jerusalem and the occupied territory of the West Bank in the first week of October last year, and which I’ve chosen to show at my exhibition entitled “Calm before the Storm”.

My dilemmas are that firstly the story is almost 4000 years long, and secondly much of it isn’t true! The story begins in the form of mythology, superstition, parables, traditions, legends, visions and the naivety of a god-fearing people who couldn’t read or write, let alone search for truth. It was initially passed down the generations by word of mouth and there is no archeological evidence for much of what happened in the beginning, but which created a very long, winding, bloody, story of the images I am showing. The story can’t be told without lots of “maybes”, “probablies” and “possiblies”.

My own story likely began in school, when I studied Ancient History in year 12 and was taught by an inspirational teacher, a Christian Brother, who brought to life the warriors of Sparta, the battles between the Greeks and Persians, the perversions of the mad Roman emperor Caligula and the Marathon run of Pheidippides. He was also the school athletics coach so little wonder I joined the cross-country team at that time and have continued running right up until now.

I’ve continued to read history and in particular that of Western and Central Asia (What Europeans refer to as the Middle East…because it’s East of Europe!) which to me holds greater significance and romance than the European or English history that most white Australians are more familiar with. The conquests of Genghis Khan and Tamerlane, the empires of the Persians, Romans, Byzantines & Ottomans, the characters of Antony & Cleopatra, Samson & Delilah, Laurence of Arabia, David & Goliath, Herod, Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, Suleiman the Magnificent, Jesus & Muhammad, just to name a few.

The monotheistic religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and many others, all developed in this part of the world, along with paper, astronomy, philosophy, medicine, art, sculpture and language. It’s hard to imagine a region of the world that has had as big an influence on human civilization.

In September and October last year I did a solo trip to Istanbul and Jerusalem, Istanbul the site of the relocation by Constantine from Rome in 300 CE and the establishment of the Byzantine Empire which endured for 1100 years, before being conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

I stayed 2 weeks in Istanbul, one in Europe, one in Asia, on either side of the Bosphorus. I visited some of the most awe-inspiring buildings I’ve seen including the Hagia Sofia Mosque, built in 537 originally as a Christian orthodox church by the emperor at the time, Justinian. Apparently when the church was inaugurated, Justinian said: “Glory to God who has deemed me worthy of such a work. Oh Solomon, I have vanquished thee”, referring to the great temple of Solomon, destroyed 1000 years earlier by Nebuchadnezzer in Jerusalem…where I was heading next. Jerusalem at this time was part of the Byzantine empire, ruled from Istanbul.

My flight to Tel Aviv from Istanbul was delayed which I realized with the 45 minute drive from the airport would get me to Jerusalem in the dark on the Jewish Sabbath. For those who aren’t familiar, the Old City of Jerusalem is approximately 1km square, surrounded by castle-like defensive walls built by the Ottomans under Suleiman the Magnificent in the 1500’s…so quite recent! Greater Jerusalem has now expanded around it but I was keen to stay in the Old City, close to the important sites. But I was nervous to enter through Herod’s Gate in the dark which led down narrow cobbled alleys of the Muslim quarter of the Old City. My instructions from the owner of my AirBnB were to follow along until I saw the Dome of the Rock (the first Muslim Mosque), and turn left through a black doorway. In hindsight, arriving at night was a blessing because the golden Dome of the Rock was illuminated and my first glimpse of it poking up over the rooftops ahead of me has left an indelible memory. So, I turned left through the doorway, found my way up some narrow staircases and through another solid door that opened on to the terrace of my accommodation. The view from there was surely one of the most awesome in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, the Russian Orthodox Church of Mary Magdalene, the city ramparts, minarets and rooftops all laid out before me. I took photographs of the view immediately.

What I didn’t realise when I booked my trip months earlier was that the exact week that I had arranged to stay in Jerusalem was the week-long holiday period of Sukkot. It is said in the book of Exodus, the second book of the Torah or Hebrew bible, that when Moses led the Israelites from slavery in Egypt back to Canaan (this was maybe 1400 BCE), during the journey and for 40 years wandering in the desert, they lived in temporary dwellings called Sukkahs, which means “booth”. When God spoke to Moses at Mt Sinai at this time and gave him the 10 Commandments, they were kept in a tabernacle or Sukkah. Sukkot commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites and Jews now celebrate this by making a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and constructing temporary Sukkahs with palmed roofs in the streets, where they eat and sleep. These can be seen in the Girl and the Cat street photograph.

Each day of Sukkot it is a Jewish commandment to perform a waving ceremony with the “4 species” – a palm frond, branches of myrtle and willow, and a citron (which can be seen by worshipping Orthodox Jews in some of my pictures) – I won’t describe the significance of each of these here.

The next morning, I met a professional photographer, Simon, from Tel Aviv who I had booked to do a 4-5 hour photo tour of the Old City and the nearby Orthodox Jewish suburb of Mea Shearim. We quickly developed a good relationship as we wandered around the Old City capturing all the eccentricities of Sukkot and the religious and historical sites. We had a big bowl of the best hummus I’ve tasted for lunch (the chick peas were ground in a mortar and pestle in front of me) and we ended up spending 7 hours together. Some of the pictures seen in this exhibition were taken whilst with him.

Later that night I left a glowing review on TripAdvisor for him and he messaged me with thanks and to ask if I wanted to meet for coffee a few days later when he was returning to Jerusalem. I agreed, but on the morning we were to meet he messaged again to say that his mother had had a stroke. She died a few days after I returned to Australia. 

The next day, I wandered around by myself in the Old City, revisiting some of the important sites 2 or 3 times. Everything is very close with synagogues, chapels and mosques, interspersed with restaurants, stations of the cross, money changing booths, tourist shops and homes, with narrow doorways and alleys in all directions. It’s a real maze and I often got lost, but was always able to find my way out. 90% of my time in Jerusalem I spent in the Old City apart from a walk to the garden of Gethsemane outside the walls and up to the Mt. of Olives, which looks back across the olive tree-studded Kidron Valley to the Old City and is covered with the headstones of those waiting for Judgement Day, the day they believe the Messiah will return for them to be resurrected and ascend to heaven. 

Each night I’d set up my tripod and photograph the Dome of the Rock from my terrace and take in the awesome view and ponder the ancient history I was looking at. Maybe 400 years before Moses, in maybe 1800BCE, the book of Genesis tells us that Abraham, at the age of 75 (his father died at the age of 200!), walked 700 miles from Mesopotamia in modern-day Iraq to this very spot.

God had promised him and his descendants the land of Canaan, modern-day Israel, and tested his faith by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac on Mt Moriah. He tied his son to an altar but just as he was about to kill him an angel appeared and stopped him. Instead, a ram with it’s horns caught in a nearby thicket was sacrificed, but Abraham had passed his test and he and his descendants became God’s chosen people.

This is the premise for why Jewish Zionists today believe that Israel, “The Land of Milk & Honey”, “The Promised Land”, belongs to them. Around 1000 BCE King Solomon, son of David (of David & Goliath fame), built a temple on Mt. Moriah where Isaac’s binding had taken place to house the Ark of the Covenant containing the tablets of the 10 Commandments brought to Jerusalem from Mt. Sinai 400 years earlier. Destroyed by the Babylonians in 586BCE (dates become clearer), it was rebuilt by Herod around the turn of the millennium and again destroyed, this time by the Romans in 70CE. The story of the 4-year siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the 2nd temple is a harrowing tale. It is estimated 600 000 Jerusalemites were killed with 500 people per day being crucified on the Mount of Olives and surrounding hills – with “scarcely room for more, or trees to make them” (Josephus)…so, it’s been going on for a while!

In 621 CE, Muslims believe Muhammad took his night journey on his winged horse Buraq from Mecca in modern-day Saudi Arabia, to the temple Mount in Jerusalem, before ascending to heaven. 70 years later the Dome of the Rock, the first Islamic mosque, was built to commemorate the site, Jerusalem then being under Arab control. Non-muslims are now not allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock, however the interior photographs I’ve seen are amazing…the central part of the floor is one big rock, no carpet but the original bedrock of Mt Moriah, where Abraham first attempted to sacrifice Isaac, the foundation stone for 2 temples and the Holy of Holies, the room where the Ark of the Covenant and 10 Commandments were stored…now enclosed by an Islamic Mosque.

So, from my terrace I felt like I was looking at a giant X-marks-the-spot, the centre of the universe and one of the most important and disputed sites in all human civilization…still to this day. I have 3 photographs of this amazing building in my exhibition, there were even more to choose from, and the predominance of photographs of this one subject is mirrored by the importance it has in Jerusalem and the world, and also how it dominates the Old City skyline…I could always find my way out of a dark alley by looking for the golden dome to get my bearings.

The Dome of the Rock sits atop the Temple Mount or Haram Al Sharif in Arabic, the western wall of which retains the 15 HA compound. The Western Wall is as close as Jews can get to the place where the Holy of Holies was within the 1st and 2nd temples. The Temple Mount is now administered by Jordan and Jews are not allowed to pray or wear religious clothing there and can only enter through one of the 11 gates, which are guarded by Israeli soldiers. I saw soldiers escorting a Jewish family, obviously visiting Jerusalem during Sukkot, site-seeing on the Temple Mount and having family photographs taken in front of the Islamic Dome of the Rock…go figure! The photograph of the two female Israeli soldiers is one of my favourites and is taken at a gate to the Temple Mount that leads from the old Cotton Merchants market. I see glamour, intimidation, tension and contradiction when I look at their made-up faces. 

On my 3rd day, in the afternoon, I left most of my gear in my apartment in Jerusalem and caught the bus to Bethlehem in the West Bank, about 8km away. Or more accurately, the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank, one of two Palestinian territories, the other being Gaza which is approximately 100km south of Jerusalem. I stayed at the Walled Off Hotel which is part-owned by the pro-Palestinian English street artist Banksy and who has decorated many of the walls in the guest rooms with his original satirical artwork. The hotel is self-named the ‘hotel with the worst view in the world’…from my room window I eye-balled the 10m high, 700km long concrete separation wall, complete with guard tower, built by the Israeli’s “for defence”.

The wall is covered with graffiti on the Palestinian side, and Banksy himself has contributed to it in the vicinity of the hotel. I took a photograph of myself on the bed in my room, pretending to join in the pillow fight with a Palestinian fighter and an Israeli soldier. What I thought was a bit of fun at the time in hindsight really isn’t funny at all and possibly in bad taste, but I figured if it’s ok for Banksy it’s ok for me. It’s now my profile picture on Instagram and the welcoming picture to my exhibition but I still have mixed feelings about it.

Next morning I was collected by my Palestinian taxi driver Abbas (name changed to protect identity), for a day tour around the West Bank. I was interested to see as much as I could in a day and I told Abbas that I was just as interested in photographing the people as the religious sites. I was hoping to get some photographs of old Arabs with long grey beards, kids playing in the street, store-holders plying their trade, as well as the compulsory religious sites of the Church of the Nativity where Jesus was supposedly born, the Dead Sea, Lazarus’s tomb etc. We walked around the main streets of Ramallah and Jericho and Abbas broke the ice in Arabic and helped me set up some portrait shots, one of which is the black & white of the man you see here.

He was also keen to talk with me about the occupation, show me the Israeli settlements, the separation wall and the difficulties of living and moving around in the West Bank. There are more than 100 different types of permits issued by the Israeli military to restrict every aspect of life in the West Bank and it’s one of the ways the Israelis control the people there. Permits are required to receive medical treatment, travel between the West Bank and Gaza, travel in to Israel including to work, cultivate one’s own land, reside in the West Bank, study, build or modify your house, plant trees etc etc.

Permits often only last 3 months and need to be reapplied for and are sometimes only granted if the applicant signs a statement in support of political negotiation or agrees to collaborate with the Israeli security services, Shin Bet. Hundreds of roadblocks and barriers and surveillance systems are in place. Military bases and depots are dotted around the landscape. Forced evictions, demolitions, arbitrary detention, cutting off mains water supply, shooting holes in rainwater tanks, spraying Palestinian farm land with herbicides, the list goes on. I remember thinking that if this is the way the people here are forced to live, then it’s no wonder they resist, emigrate…or rebel! Abbas showed me his permit and let me take a photograph of it with my phone. 

I’ve stayed in contact with Abbas but I can tell from his more recent messages that he is being careful with what he says and I suspect he deletes all conversations with me afterwards. I naively suggested to him early on that we do a live cross at my exhibition opening but as a father of 5 kids he declined for fear of being arrested. 

At the end of our day together he dropped me at a checkpoint in the wall and I walked back through in to Jerusalem. The checkpoint, one of 49 along the wall’s length, is like an undercover cattle-yard with lots of CCTV cameras, Israeli soldiers behind bulletproof glass and ceiling-height steel turn-styles. I poked my passport through a letterbox sized opening to a small room of 4 IDF soldiers, one inspected it and passed it to another before inspecting it again and finally posting it back to me. Thousands of Palestinian workers pass through these checkpoints daily along the length of the separation wall on their way to and from jobs in Israel…at least that was the case before October 7th last year.

Since October 7th, Abbas has stopped driving, there are no tourists and local people stay off the street. Schools & universities have closed. Roads are blocked. There are soldiers in the streets. Israeli settlers riot and kill Palestinians while the IDF look the other way. The Walled Off Hotel closed on 12th October, it’s staff now with no work. When I last researched, around 400 people have been killed in the West Bank.

That night, back in the Old City, I did a tour of the tunnels under the Western Wall. Over the centuries most of the Western Wall has been built up against and so is no longer visible. The Israeli’s have excavated under all these buildings to gain access to the part of the wall that has been covered. It wasn’t lost on me that the tunnel extends under and in to the Muslim quarter of the city. 

On my final day in Jerusalem, I met a Russian Christian model who is engaged to an Israeli and lives in Tel Aviv. We wandered around the Old City to some locations I’d scoped out in the days before and we captured some shots with a bit of a fashion/street feel. I love the photograph of her waiting in the doorway of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the light there was beautiful. We talked briefly about the war in Ukraine…she seemed somewhat embarrassed by her government. 

I flew out of Tel Aviv at 3pm on 6th October. I recall reading text across the bottom of the tv screen on the plane, something about rockets being fired at Israel, but I wasn’t sure what I was reading or it’s significance. When I arrived in Sydney I received a WhatsApp message from Simon my photography tour guide in Tel Aviv: “Are you still here?”. I told him I’d landed in Sydney to which he replied “There is a war here. Big time”. It was the last day of Sukkot.

In the coming weeks Simon began to post pro-Israeli propaganda on Instagram which began to activate my FU gland! The reason I use Instagram is to inspire my photography not to read other people’s political views, especially when they don’t align with my own, so I stopped following him. I explained this to him when he questioned why I’d unfollowed him. He replied: “ I have lost hundreds of followers for speaking up against the Nazi attack we witnessed. No need to answer. Goodbye.” We haven’t communicated since.

In its history, Jerusalem has been attacked 52 times, captured 44 times and totally destroyed twice. It’s hard to imagine a city anywhere in the world where so much has happened. What’s happening now, taken in the context of history, is just another ugly chapter, the only difference being that instead of horsemen with swords we have unmanned drones and massively powerful guided, and not-so-well guided, missiles. Enemies don’t look each other in the eye and killing requires less courage…and it’s on Instagram within minutes for the world to react to.

In the weeks and months that followed my trip, with Israel and Gaza in my feeds every day, my photographs took on more meaning and became more important to me. I was in Jerusalem 5 days and the West bank only 26 hours so the majority of the 2200 photographs I took were taken in Jerusalem.

Choosing the images for my exhibition was very difficult. Getting from 2200 to 50 was easy (I take a lot of bad photos!), but from 50 to 30 to the 18 shown was a puzzle! I tried to keep a balance of Jewish, Christian and Muslim subject matter. They also needed to be technically good, tell my story and hopefully be pictures that people want to buy…one of my aims in holding the exhibition is to raise money for medical aid in Gaza through Medecins Sans Frontieres who are on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank doing great work. The pictures I chose also and most importantly needed to please ME. I was only there for 6 days, and if I knew I was going to be holding an exhibition I would have stayed longer, gone to different places, photographed different things and taken even more care! But looking back I can say I was very much “in the zone” of taking photographs, I was really focused on what I was doing and motivated to capture as much as I could of the amazing historical place I was in. I’m proud of what I captured and I love looking at all of them. I hope you do too.

Stephen Trutwin
March 2024

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The Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize Returns for 2024

artists are invited to submit their work exploring the theme of a sense of place by march 31st

Following the lost years of the global pandemic, Fleurieu Arthouse are pleased to be hosting the prestigious Fleurieu Biennale as it returns for 2024.

Artists are invited to submit works (2D or 3D) exploring the theme A Sense of Place.

There are three prizes;

The Fleurieu Art Prize - $20,000

Emerging Artist’s Prize - $5000

People’s Choice Award - $2000\

Judges include Lisa Slade, Assistant Director Artistic Programs at Art Gallery of South Australia, Brian Parkes, CEO at Jam Factory and Nichola Folland Head of Contemporary Studies and Sculpture at Adelaide Central School of Art.

Online entries opened on 15 January 2024 for artworks created after 1 January 2023. For more details, including the Terms and Conditions of entry visit the website.

An important part of our cultural heritage

First established in 1998, The Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize was the brainchild of David Dridan, Greg Trott and Tony Parkinson who shared a common goal to raise the profile of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Over the years, the prize has garnered much publicity for the area and for entrants and prize winners alike.The Fleurieu Art Prize was ambitious from the outset and is considered to be an important part of our cultural heritage today.

Previous winners include -

2018 James Tylor and Laura Willis for their collaborative artwork Hidden Landscapes: Kangaroo Island.

Hidden Landscapes: Kangaroo Island - James Tylor and Laura Willis

2016 Tony Albert for his piece The Hand You’re Dealt.

The Hand You’re Dealt - Tony Albert

2013 - Fiona Lowry for. her work Alone with you.

Alone with you - Fiona Albert

All shortlisted finalists will be invited to exhibit their artwork at the Fleurieu Arthouse in McLaren Vale, South Australia from 7 June – 14 July 2024. The winning artwork will be selected from this exhibition.   

All artworks in the exhibition will be available for sale, with a commission retained by the not for profit Fleurieu Art Foundation to cover costs of future events. 

The winners and other finalists of both the Fleurieu Biennale Art Prize and the Emerging Artist prize may be invited to participate in artist talks and media events surrounding the event. 

See the website for more information and the Terms & Conditions of entry. 

Key Dates 

Entries open: 15 January 2024 

Entries close: 5pm Sunday 31st March 2024 

Finalists announced: First week of May 2024 

Shortlisted Works delivered: 1-4 June 2024 

Exhibition: 7 June – 14 July 2024 

Winner announced: 7 June 2024 at Fleurieu Arthouse

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Clarke & Vadasz Exhibition for Adelaide Fringe 2024

Greg Clarke and Louise Vadasz join forces for Adelaide Fringe at Fleurieu Arthouse

Good friends Greg Clarke and Louise Vadasz first met whilst studying fine art at the South Australian School of Art. Some years and a number of successes down the line, the pair have come together again with a new exhibition here at Fleurieu Arthouse.

Clarke is well-known in Adelaide as the one-time director of the Adelaide Fringe, a position he held for 5 years before moving interstate and taking on the creative directorship of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras.

While he no longer calls Adelaide home, his ties here remain strong and visiting is always a highlight for him.

Clarke’s move interstate has been an inspiration though, and his landscape paintings tell of his home in an idyllic location on the New South Wales mid-north coast. Capturing the magical light of the ocean, mountains and architecture that now surround him is something that preoccupies Clarke.

The Breakwater - Greg Clarke

The still life works presented in this latest exhibition are elegant and pared down, blurred lines and calming subjects bring an ethereal quality to the otherwise bold and contemporary vases and jars.

Blue Vase, Red Vase - Greg Clarke

“I paint very simple paintings that are more about line and form in very calming colours,” he said recently in an interview for an article about the exhibition published in In Review.

Vadasz’s works are a riot of rich colour with vibrant still life floral arrangements and large abstract landscapes in her unmistakably loose style. Vadasz has been a finalist in a number of art prizes and cites her two artistic loves as abstract landscape and still life.

Spring Poppies - Louise Vadasz

Most of Vadasz’s works are heavy impasto painted on transparent linen; she says, “I’m switching from each subject with a similar technique of layering the thick oil paint to create a rich surface of intense colour,”.

Spring Oratunga - Louise Vadasz

Clarke and Vadasz can be seen until March 17th here at Fleurieu Arthouse. Click here for more information.

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Wine, Art, History & Fun - Visit Fleurieu Arthouse at Hardys Tintara McLaren Vale

Looking for things to do in McLaren Vale? You’ll be spoiled for choice with what’s on offer here on the site of Hardys Tintara on McLaren Vale’s Main Road.

This is the place Fleurieu Arthouse calls home. We’re based in an older building in the grounds of the winery - which is brimming with fascinating history.

A contemporary arts hub in the heart of the wine region of McLaren Vale, we comprise of a design store, gallery, artist’s studios, cafe, book store and event space.

The Arthouse is Managed by Anna Small. We provide working studios for up to 8 resident artists and visitors can tour these spaces in addition to visiting our design space and exhibitions.

Inside the exhibition gallery at Fleurieu Arthouse

On the doorstep of one of South Australia’s oldest wineries

Just across the lawns, separated only by a beautiful century old Moreton Bay Fig tree, is Hardys Tintara cellar door.

A visit to Hardys represents an opportunity to enjoy one of the many unique experiences offered by the winery, which is one of Australia’s oldest.

These include a variety of experiences such Tasting in the Dark, a sensory exploration of wine and Hardys Hidden Secrets, a tour which allows participants to discover the rich history of Thomas Hardy and his wine empire; you will be shown some of the fascinating historical buildings and little-known corners of this important historical site.

Clink at Tintara - McLaren Vale’s biggest beer garden

Clink is all about live music, great food and of course, drinks! A wide expanse of lawn and comfy seating ensures visitors can lay back, kick off their shoes and really relax whilst enjoying live music - and of course food and drinks!

Come for the day - enjoy a visit to Fleurieu Arthouse and then skip across the lawn to Hardys where Clink is situated.

Happy visitors enjoying the sunshine at Clink

Learn more about Clink and Book here.

Art classes and workshops for both adults and kids at Fleurieu Arthouse

If you have a yearning to try your own hand at some artistic pursuits, you’ll find what you need at the Arthouse. We’ve got a constantly changing timetable of artistic opportunities here - we hold regular workshops and classes in painting, jewellery and more.

Organic silver ring making with Shirley Wu is a popular option and you can book here to make one of her fabulous gem set rings from silver clay. In a truly magical process, Shirley will guide you in forming the band of your ring, selecting the stones and mounting them. Then she will fire the rings - which removes the clay aspect of the material leaving behind only the beautiful silver.

Organic silver rings created at Shirley’s workshops

Maybe you’re more of a painter? If so, you can attend one of our regular classes run by Sonja Maclean or maybe indulge in a one-off workshop such as those held by Chris Small.

Sonja’s classes are generally held during the week and you can contact her here.

Participants in one of Sonja Maclean’s workshops

Chris Small is holding an abstract painting workshop on Saturday, January 20th between 1.00pm and 4.00pm. The workshops promises to be a fun, informative exploration of technique and colour. Book here.

For children, there are regular lessons held by Claire Kennet in her studio here at the Arthouse. Claire is an experienced teacher and her classes are extremely popular. She teaches children between the ages of 6 and 16 and classes are small, grouped by age. Learn more and book here.

Still life studies with Claire Kennett

The Arthouse sells not only art, homewares, jewellery and ceramics but you can also walk through our purpose-built artist’s studios and meet the artists who work from them.

Enjoy a coffee at our coffee bar and take in the latest exhbition.

The entire Hardys site is brimming with entertainment of one sort or another. Follow us on Instagram for up-to-date news about workshops, classes and exhibitions.




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Integrity - an Art Exhibition by The Artist's Voice Collective

The Artist’s Voice Collective at Fleurieu Arthouse

Integrity is an exhibition of works that celebrates the integrity of the individual artist in the creative process.

The Gardener - Bob Landt

Artists in this exhibition: Bob Landt, Terry MacDermot, Philip David, Rob Orchard,

David Braun, Hugh Adamson, Belinda Broughton, Erwin Janek & Jann Makepeace.

Opening event Saturday, 27 January 2024 2:00 pm
Closes
Sunday 11 February 2024 3:00 pm

Southern Ocean - Terry MacDermot

About The Artist’s Voice Collective

The Artist’s Voice Collective has roots going back as far as 1967 when an artist from Hahndorf had an idea.

Helena Lyons wanted to celebrate the life of acclaimed South Australian artist Hans Heysen who had lived and worked in Hahndorf during the early part of the twentieth century. She decided that the perfect venue for this festival would be the old Hahndorf Academy once owned by artist Walter Wotzke and the site of Heysen’s last exhibition.

The idea came to fruition and with support from Mount Barker Council, the streets of Hahndorf were soon filled with artists and music. This was the foundation for what would eventually become The Heysen Festival and Heysen Art Prize.

It proved a wonderful way for artists to connect and in 1998 a group of like-minded artists who had been involved, formed The Artist’s Collective.

The collective held their first exhibition at Hillstowe Winery in Hahndorf that year and one member of the collective, Bob Landt, won the first inaugural Street Scape Prize with his watercolour Old Saw Mill Hahndorf.

The collective is made up of experienced artists working in a broad variety of styles and the members are vocal about how supportive the group is as a whole, meeting regularly to discuss their art and its practice as well as upcoming events and ideas.

Two Jetties and a Cairn - Bob Landt

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Exhibition - Terry Johnson & Jojo Spook - Two Friends Two Dimensions

Jojo Spook and Terry Johnson have been friends and artistic collaborators  for many years.

Together they have created ‘Two Friends, Two Dimensions’ which is a whimsical and joyful exhibition of paintings and sculptures that celebrate the beauty of our natural world.

The two both live and work in Robe, South Australia where the local landscape serves as inspiration for their work.

We caught up with both artists and learned more about their artistic journeys, and what inspires and motivates them.

Terry

F.A. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background as an artist?

T.J. Art has the incredible power to serve as a means of communication and empowerment. Through artistic expression, individuals can convey their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in a way that words often cannot capture. Living in Robe, a coastal paradise, surrounded by the beauty of nature, art has the opportunity to thrive and flourish. Here I have enjoyed many years teaching high school art, gallery ownership and working as an art curator, but most of all I find my solace in creating my own art.

F.A. What initially inspired you to pursue a career in art?

T.J. I have always wanted to be an artist. Throughout my life I have has many professions and somehow I found a link to art in every one. I found that the calling of art  was part of my making that was not to be ignored.

F.A. How would you describe your style and the themes you most commonly explore?

T.J. My style is expressionistic; it is colour and pattern based. I find my inspiration in everyday life, people, animals’ plants and the energy of nature. I have a joyful outlook on life and my goal through my art is to share that happiness with you the viewer. In short I create works that are unashamedly tossed in fantasy, humour and vibrant colour.

F.A. What does your creative process look like? ie how do you begin a new piece and what does that entail?

T.J. A white canvas is not my starting point. Before I begin to paint, I set myself the task of covering my canvas with stains of colour, patterns and enthusiastic mark making. I then set to paint scenes of everyday life embellished by my imagination. My work utilises the vibrancy of colour and subject matter to convey the joy of life. In participating in this exhibition I have further explored incorporating stencil marks, repeated patterns and various coloured inks into my completed work. My artistic goal is to speak to the viewer in colour the language of dreams.

 F.A. Who are your favourite artists/who are you most inspired by?

T.J My favourite historic artists are Gauguin, Matisse, Van Gough, Chagall, and  Cezanne. I also find inspiration in the free work of children that are uninfluenced by defined art and my many artistic friends and colleagues

F.A. What's the best part about being an artist/what is most fulfilling about your work

T.J. The best part of being an artist is entering into your own zone of creativity , finding endless ideas and working towards a finished piece of work that you most likely have no idea when it will each its conclusion.

 

The Outlet by Terry Johnson

Visit the Fleurieu Arthouse to see Two Friends Two Dimensions

Over the Christmas period we are open 7 days a week. Pop in and see us between 11.00am and 4.00pm - take in the exhibition, enjoy a coffee and pastry from our coffee bar and browse our resident artist’s studios.

You can also enjoy the design store where we stock the work of many local artists and artisans.

We have everything from clothing to fine jewellry and ceramics on display.

Situated in the lovely grounds of Hardys Tintara Winery, we’re right on McLaren Vale High Street and within easy access of everything the region has to offer.

Contact us at hello@fleurieuarthouse.com.au or call us on 08 7288 3095 if you have any questions.

The Studios at Fleurieu Arthouse

Jojo Spook and Terry Johnson

Jojo

F.A. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background as an artist?

J.S. I grew up in an active creative household. My mum was a commercial artist and my Father an engineer. I was always building something, making my own fun and always eager to try something new. Mum taught me to paint, pottery and I started welding with dad when l was 9. I was always encouraged to be creative and always considered myself as an artist of some sought. Later on I started night classes at Tafe, I was 15. The year after I got into Monash University with a folio, a mixture of sculpture and painting completing a BA in Fine Art. Still thirsty for knowledge I attended Monash University and completed a BA of Craft, a Masters and finally a Dip Ed.

Detail from Just When you Thought you Were Safe by Jojo Spook

F.A. How would you describe your style and the themes you most commonly explore?

J.S. My partner is a pilot and we travel a lot in our small aeroplane that we can fit a double bed in, we call it the “flying caravan”. We travel to quite remote places and I enjoy the camping experience and collecting mementos from my trips away being metal scraps or going painting in the outback. My messages get out and see this amazing country, don’t get stuck in the same spot or box. Look at your environment and care for it, including our oceans.That’s where the use of nets and washed up ropes are used, creating awareness. Collecting metal symbolises time gone by, that piece holding a memory.

F.A. What does your creative process look like? ie how do you begin a new piece and what does that entail?

J.S. It could be metal, clay, found objects, painting, collage, textiles… just depends on the idea or what is unfolding. I don’t stick to a style, I don’t think I have one, I just keep reinventing and evolving. I get bored pretty easily and I push myself as I like to be challenged. I like my audience to connect with the work, have a laugh and have that discussion and be curious. I collect loads of things that I hold onto for that designated piece or assemblage. I am inspired by my experiences and surroundings and my work coincides with this. A typical week could be teaching at school, thinking about art, waking up in the night and resolving that issue or idea. I let problem solving take a big part, and I enjoy the challenge, planning a piece never goes well. My life is spontaneous so the work goes with it.

F.A. Who are your favourite artists/who are you most inspired by?

J.S. I discovered Frida Kahlo in 1986 in a book and have never looked back. I have followed herwork and exhibitions for years and admire and inspire her strength. Shes gutsy and never gave up despite her pain. She was an advocate for women and way ahead of her time.

F.A. What’s the best part about being an artist/what is most fulfilling about your work

J.S. In 2017 I hired a large Winnebago and drove 9000 km on my own for 6 weeks. During this time I painted and collected items, went to every art gallery I could and art studio. I also spent a week with the elders in QLD and Ghostnets Australia.

One of my largest pieces called “Kevin” the turtle was created from Ocean Rubbish in Ceduna with the elders and the community. He has since been on display at the National Indigenous Art fair in Sydney.

My last greatest achievement would be designing a program about ocean rubbish that I have delivered in schools. It’s a program about creating awareness of the harmful rubbish in the ocean and how it affects sea creatures. Students are encouraged to collect and create sea creatures for display.





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What's on at the Arthouse over Christmas?

Christmas events, art classes, workshops and artist talks at Fleurieu Arthouse - what’s on at the Arhouse

Workshops, Openings & Talks

December and January are always busy times at the Fleurieu Arthouse. Lots of visitors arrive looking to add to their Christmas shopping or to bring their visiting friends into a venue that’s full to brimming with gorgeous art, homewares and jewellery.

Over the festive period we’re open 7 days a week from 11.00am to 4.00pm to cater for all of your Christmas shopping needs. Even if you’re just looking for a beautiful space to wander for a few peaceful moments, perhaps enjoy a coffee and take in the art, we’re right here daily!

There’s a lot on our calendar at the moment so this is the perfect time to sum it all up and share some of the fantastic events we’ve got slated.

Organic Silver Ring Workshops with Shirley Wu

Shirley Wu is back again with her ever-popular organic silver ring workshops. This immersive workshop is suitable for beginners and old-hands alike.

You’ll learn how to craft a beautiful ring from silver clay. Shirley will bring a selection of heat-resistant stones which you can choose to add to your design.

She will take you through the entire process and then fire your creation ready for collection in a few days.

We currently have three scheduled workshops - get your tickets below.

Saturday December 9th 11.00am to 1.30pm - TICKETS

Saturday December 23rd 11.00am to 1.30pm - TICKETS

Sunday January 7th 2.00pm to 4.30pm - TICKETS

Artist Talk with the sister of Virginia Ryan

Fiona, the sister of artist Virginia Ryan who’s exhibition Bodies and Fictions can be seen until December 10th in Gallery 2 at the Arthouse is here to provide a deeper understanding of Virginia’s work.

Come by and hear more about Virginia’s fascinating story and gain an insight into her working process.

Saturday December 2nd 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Make your Own Fused Glass Christmas Ornament with Joy Levins

Fused glass Christmas star

Joy Levins’ work is ever-popular here at the Arthouse and now you can try your hand at the art of glass fusion.

Under the expert guidance of Joy, you will create a one-off piece of your own design. Glass is a fascinating medium and involves the process of joining colourful pieces of sheet glass together to create a unique design.

Once you have put your piece together, Joy will take them to be fired and return them to the Arthouse for collection before Christmas.

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 11:00am - 2:45pm - TICKETS

New Exhibition Opening - Two Friends & Two Dimensions by Jojo Spooks & Terry Johnson

Jojo Spooks and Terry Johnson’s new exhibition will open at Fleurieu Arthouse on Saturday December 16th at 2.00pm. Jojo and Terry, friends and collaborators for many years have created a whimsical and joyful exhibition of paintings and sculptures which celebrate the beauty of the natural world.

Join them - and us - for a glass of wine and be among the first to see this celebration of nature, art and friendship.

Finding Beauty in the Mess - with Chris Small - Abstract Art Workshop

Join Chris Small at Fleurieu Arthouse as she walks you through 2 Saturdays of a playful experiment of creating a mess of shapes and colour on canvas using different mediums.

On the first Saturday you will explore the natural space around the Fleurieu Arthouse to warm up, slow down and notice the surrounds and then return to the workshop space to play with paint.

The second Saturday will be blocking out to find the beautiful parts inside the mess - a bit like life is really! Focus on the process is a big part of Chris’ workshops and participants engage in learning to lose themselves in colour with Chris there to offer encouragement and guidance.

It's great if you have some painting experience, but if not its OK because this is a very relaxed and organic kind of workshop. The aim is to play, to experiment and to walk away feeling like you have taken a big deep breath and forgotten about any stress for a few hours.

Chris will provide the paints, the canvas, and some aprons, but make sure you wear clothes you don't mind getting messy. Leave those high heels at home! If it's hot bring a hat for outside activity. There will be water provided and you and you can purchase coffee and treats at the Fleurieu Arthouse Coffee Shop.

Saturday 13th & Saturday 20th January 1.00pm to 4.0pm - TICKETS

Learn more about Chris Small here.

Art the Year Round

There’s always something happening at the Arthouse - workshops, classes, openings and talks. Come and visit, or follow us on socials to keep up-to-date.

For children, we offer regular classes with resident artist Claire and for adults there are also regular painting classes with Sonja Maclean.

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Locally Made, Sustainable Christmas Gifts at Fleurieu Arthouse

Buy locally made, sustainable gifts for Christmas at Fleurieu Arthouse, McLaren Vale this season

Christmas ceramics by Kate Crabb

It’s that time of year again - yes, summer is barely here but it’s time to think about Christmas gifts.

The great beauty of buying your gifts locally and by purchasing works which have been produced by local artists and craftspeople is that you’re contributing to efforts to work towards a more sustainable future in Australia.

Yes, it’s sometimes simpler to just order something from a website and await it’s arrival - but nothing beats the pleasure of holding a beautiful, one-off piece of art in your hands and taking the time to hand-pick the present which you’ll give to friends and loved-ones this year.

Native flower vase by Fleurieu Ceramics

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse we have many fantastic locally made ceramics including the vases above by Aldinga based ceramicist Sarah Shanahan of Fleurieu Ceramics.

Fleurieu Ceramic’s range is wide and there really is something for everyone.

The fun beachy mugs below make a lovely gift for a local or visitor.

Local town mugs by Fleurieu Ceramics

Handmade jewellery in McLaren Vale

Jewellery lovers definitely aren’t neglected here. We have a huge selection of gorgeous things, all made locally too.

The selection of jewellery on offer here at the Arthouse is broad. From silver, gold and natural pearl to stainless steel, resin and even paper, we stock a really unique collection.

Here are some of the highlights from our extensive selection of locally made jewellery.

Pink daisy drop earrings by Kitty Came Home

Kitty Came Home is a much-loved local business which is run by Katrina and Farley who inspired by Katrina’s Grandmother’s extensive collection of vintage fabrics, wanted to create a range of beautiful, bold accessories with a definite vintage feel.

Large disc earrings by Kitty Came Home

For those who like a classic look, Shirley Wu’s collection of silver and gold, handmade pieces are ideal. Shirley uses natural, freshwater pearls in many of her designs and in addition to this, she runs fun workshops where participants can create their own organic style rings in silver clay with gemstones.

Some of the pretty silver clay rings created by Shirley Wu’s students

A workshop makes a great gift; if you know of any budding jewellers, Shirley’s workshop might be the answer to your gift-giving problems!

Find out when Shirley’s next workshop is here.

Silver and gold citrus blossom earrings by Anja Jagsch

Anja Jagsch’s range of gorgeous, botanical jewellery is individually handcrafted, often using the “lost wax” method of casting. This means that each piece is absolutely unique.

Books at Fleurieu Arthouse

We’ve recently had the pleasure of welcoming a newcomer into the Arthouse fold and it’s brought a lovely, literary touch to the gallery design space.

Catherine Charnock is the face behind Free Range Books, a new independent bookstore and she’s brought together an absolutely gorgeous collection of reading matter which is now on sale here at the gallery

Free Range Books at the Fleurieu Arthouse

There’s something for everything in this bookstore - from beautiful coffee table books on art, design and architecture, to inspiring recipe books and the very latest in Australian children’s books.

Pop in, lose yourself in one of our excellent cappuccinos and browse the collection.

Painting workshops at Fleurieu Arthouse

Painting, whether for relaxation or with a definite plan to improve a latent talent, is often seen as a something of a luxury pastime.

It takes time, expertise assistance and energy to learn to paint so what better as a gift for the frustrated artist in your life, than a workshop with the fabulous artist Lynn Lobo.

Lynn’s work is on display and for sale here at Fleurieu Arthouse and she herself describes her practice best.

“I am a painter with a focus on landscape and still life painting. While my paintings appear representational, my subject matter mysteriously makes itself known to me. A moment of light, a weather condition, the shape of one object next to another, colour combinations in particular lighted situations.”

Over 4 weeks, participants will meet up with Lynn at the Arthouse to work and learn alongside her.

She will share many tips for working specifically with gouache paint which is Lynn’s preferred medium, from how to get started to ways to preserve your work.

  • You will gain confidence in using gouache and I will share with you the method I use to create images.

  • You will gain an understanding of shapes and colour-tone relationships.

  • In each class we will explore composition.

  • We will focus on landscape painting and be working from photographs.

  • Some drawing experience is beneficial.

This course is intended to encourage you to play while travelling, while on holidays, or if you just want time out for self nurture. The easy set up of gouache enables regular play.

DATES: 4 Saturday afternoons – 18th November – 9th December - book tickets here.

Homewares and gorgeous accessories

We love beautiful things here at the Arthouse and we’re so lucky to live in a region which inspires so many incredible artists and artisans in their work.

When you’re looking for that extra-special “something” to give to a special person, it’s easy to get lost in the swamp of mass produced gifts which are available online and in high streets.

But by purchasing a locally made gift, you’re not only supporting a small business, but you’re also ensuring your favourite person is receiving a one-off gift which is unlike any other as well as being sustainably produced.

Here’s a little peek at some of our most popular homewares and accessories -

Metal wall art and garden sculptures by A Small Art Factory

Swallow Garden Stakes

Anna and Warren of A Small Art Factory produce a wide range of beautifully crafted metal sculptures and decorative pieces.

Bud Flower Garden Stake

You can see the full range here or pop into the Arthouse and see a selection in person. In addition to the smaller pieces featured above, there’s a stunning selection of larger, sculptural pieces and large wall peices

Whale Wall Sculpture

Kits and Gift Sets

Craft kits make a lovely gift for both adults and children and we stock a fun selection here at the Arthouse including My Little Print Studio’s lovely DIY cyanotype kits.

Cyanotype Kit

Cyanotype is a photographic printing process, where an emulsion is painted on paper or fabric and placed in the sun to aid exposure to produce a rich cyan-blue print.

This is a great little experiment to do at home with young children or for anyone who loves to be creative and the kits are very popular for birthday or Christmas presents.Clay Kits at the Arthouse

Clay Kits

Clay Kits offer a great entry-point into learning more about ceramics. The kits we stock include 1kg of quality ceramic clay, tools as well as hints and tips.

You can let your finished creations air-dry or take them to a local studio for firing. We recommend The Pug Mill.

Make an experience of your Christmas shopping

It doesn’t have to be a chore - come to McLaren Vale, have a wine at Hardy’s cellar door and spend some time browsing the Arthouse design space and exhibition. You can also enjoy a barista coffee and sweet treat from our coffee bar as well as get to know our resident artists as they work in their studios.

The Fleurieue Arthouse is open Thursday through to Monday from 11.00am to 4.00pm.

Get updates about workshops and events on our Instagram or Facebook.

For enquiries about group visits, please email us at hello@fleurieuarthouse.com.au










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Union Street Sculptors at Fleurieu Arthouse

Shan Shui 2 - Renate Nisi

Totems serve as emblems for families or groups of people depicting sacred ideas or

relationships. They represent what is held dear and important.

In terms of our group of sculptors, each artist attaches importance to certain materials, their

meanings and their histories. Moreover, we all value the very act of making.

Creating from chosen materials has enabled every one of us to explore processes and invest

the made totem with meaning and aesthetic value.

A Balance - Julie-ann Rowe

The Union Street Sculptors are Victoria Beresin, Vanessa Hearnden, Renate Nisi, Dave Parker, Rayna Schofield, Maureen Swallow, Julie-ann Rowe.

The Union Street Sculptors are a diverse group of sculptors working together, as their name might suggest, from a studio on Union Street in Adelaide. Their current exhibition, Totem, opened at the Arthouse on 2nd September 2023.
We recently had a chat with Renate Nisi, the founder of the group, to learn more about this highly creative and innovative collective.

FA “How did the Union Street Sculptors come about?”

RN “Having a background in sculpture myself (bachelor and masters) and a love for material making, I started a weekly sculpture group at my Union Street Studios (where I also live). That was in 2012 or thereabouts.”

FA “What did those early meetings look like?”

RN “In the early years the group ran mostly in the form of workshops…limestone carving, life modelling in clay, casting in pewter, ferro cement etc.”

FA “How did things begin to evolve? Did you find things changed as the participants began to develop their practices more?”

RN “As the membership consolidated into regular long-term participants, the style of sessions took more the form of supported studio practice. People worked on their own projects with shared crit sessions. Exhibitions were mostly in the form of SALA shows st Union Street Studios.”

FA “And you began exhibiting outside of the studios at some point?”

RN This way of working together naturally lead us to producing collaborative works that we could exhibit at annual or biennial outdoor sculpture events.”

FA “What led to the group’s latest exhibition?”

RN “This year - after a number of collaborative years, people wanted to develop their personal practice more intensively for a while, but still exhibit together. So we decided to focus on a theme that would allow this. TOTEM - which is a traditional form of sculpture - seemed an ideal topic.”

Members of Union Street Sculptors

Union Street Sculptors Supporting Hutt Street

Bags for Hutt Street

An interesting aspect of Totem is the addition of over 60 little sculptural shopping bags. The bags were originally part of the Naracoorte work
Trolley Folly - a commentary on consumerism and today, they are on sale individually at Fleurieu Arthouse with all proceeds from their sale going straight to Hutt Street Centre. One member of the Union Street artists is a dedicated volunteer in the art room at Hutt Street, so the collective is keen to be part of this ongoing support.

A large number of the little bags sold immediately at the exhibition’s opening but there are still plenty available! If you’d like to help Hutt Street by purchasing a bag, you can visit the exhibition and buy one directly.

Totem is on at Fleurieu Arthouse until Sun, 1 Oct 2023 4:00 pm.

See the full catalogue here.

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Winter Fire Festival - a Fun Event in McLaren Vale

Winter Fire Festival at Hardys Tintara and Fleurieu Arthouse this July - food, wine, music and fun in the grounds of Hardys. Fire pits, fairy lights and good times.

Cosy up around one of the fabulous fire pits and listen to local musicians with a mulled wine

Here at the Fleurieu Arthouse we’ve just enjoyed the first of 4 planned Fire Festivals in conjunction with Hardys Wines.

The next dates are the 21st and 22nd of July so there’s plenty of time to get your tickets.

If you’re wondering what goes on at a fire festival it can be summed up in a few words - fire, wine, music, food and fun!

Fire Festival at Hardys Wine June 2023

Hardy’s have set up an amazing Bedouin tent outside on the lawn, festooned with lights and the glow of the fire pits, it’s a really atmospheric and fun venue.

With live music and a special dance class, tons of art, churros and even a paella bar there’s a lot to brighten up these dark winter nights!

The history of fire and midwinter

The first fire festival this year at Hardys was planned for the solstice - which is the period of time when the Earth’s poles are at their furthest tilt away from the sun- which means it’s the coldest and darkest it’s going to get!

Winter Solstice has long been a time to celebrate the shortest day of the year

This is the day of the year when there is the shortest period of daylight and the longest night. On these days. the sun sits very low in the sky and it feels about as wintery as it’s going to get.

Naturally, this also make it’s the perfect time of year for a fire festival.

The tradition of fire and the solstice has its roots in prehistory. It was always a significant time of year in many cultures and has always been marked by festivals and by ritual.

Visitors to one of this years’ fire festivals cosy-up in the tent

The ancient stones at Stonehenge, Newgrange and Cahokia Woodhenge were built to align perfectly with the sunrise or sunset on winter solstice.

What actually happened at these sites in terms of ritual and celebration has been lost to time but we can certainly imagine that there was wine involved.

The solstice this year has passed but there are still two more opportunities to come along and experience the joys of fire, wine, music and food in the beautiful grounds of The Arthouse and Tintara.

Book your tickets here.


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SPROUT - an Exhibition by Anna Small and Warren Pickering

Sprout is a collaborative exhibition between Warren Pickering and Anna Small. 

Anna and Warren have a long partnership as artists and have worked together on their practice for the last 15 years. This work reflects the growth of their style and form. 

Plants are a form that they return to again and again in their explorations. 

Anna has a fascination with trees and Warren with leaves which is reflected in the pieces in Sprout.

Ginko Leaf

Listen…
With faint dry sound,
Like steps of passing ghosts,
The leaves, frost-crisp’d, break from the trees
And fall.

Adelaide Crapsey’s ‘November Night’

Sprout, a new exhibition featuring the work of A Small Art Factory is set to open at Fleurieu Arthouse on Saturday July 1st and 2.00pm.

Sprout is a collaborative exhibition between Warren Pickering and Anna Small. The couple have worked together on their art practice for the last 15 years and their newest works reflect the growth of their style and form.

Plants are a form that Anna and Warren return to again and again in their explorations. 

Leaf

Anna’s love for trees and Warren’s fascination with leaves and their many incarnations are reflected in the pieces featured in Sprout. Skeletal leaves and silhouetted trees add a distinctly wintery air to many of the pieces in the exhibition, which when viewed together, seem to provoke a certain sort of calmness, evocative of an autumn walk through quiet lanes and crisp fields.

The intricacies and individuality of both leaves and tree forms are something which Anna and Warren have long studied and sought to recreate into wall art which is suitable for hanging both indoors and out.

Tree

Over the years, the pair have produced a huge variety of sculptural works in metal but mainly, they choose to work specifically in corten steel.

Corten steel is unique because it is resistant to rain snow, ice and fog.

But Anna and Warren don’t exclusively work with corten steel, they’ve also been known to work with copper, silver and other metals and often, the work is combined with carefully sourced timber pieces for the purpose of display.

You can read more about Anna Small, Warren Pickering and A Small Art Factory here.

Sprout opens on July 1st at 2.00pm at Fleurieu Arthouse, 202 Main Road McLaren Vale







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Why People and Art Flourish Through Co-Working Spaces

Pre Covid, co-working spaces had been busily springing up across Australia. Older buildings and warehouses were regularly being requisitioned for freelancers of all disciplines.

Covid did put a brief dampener on things but you can’t keep a good entrepreneur down and it wasn’t long before artists, writers and designers were once more safely installed in studios and offices up and down the country.

Pre Covid, co-working spaces had been busily springing up across Australia. Older buildings and warehouses were regularly being requisitioned for freelancers of all disciplines.

Covid did put a brief dampener on things but you can’t keep a good entrepreneur down and it wasn’t long before artists, writers and designers were once more safely installed in studios and offices up and down the country.

Artist’s studios at Fleurieu Arthouse

These freelancers generally all have one thing in common - a deep need for the company of their peers.

Artists have always flocked together; forming groups in which they can not only feel part of a larger creative purpose but also receive wisdom and support from one another in what would otherwise be quite a lonely profession.

Painter Mary Margetts in her studio at Fleurieu Arthouse

After all, art is ultimately a solitary pursuit. Most creatives spend long hours alone working on their latest pieces. Without the company of others, there would be a lack of inspiration and support.

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse, our studio artists often turn to one another for guidance and support. They’re all to be found working in their studios during and after opening hours and the atmosphere in the studios may generally be one of quiet concentration, but there’s always the open-hearted social edge which comes of working in a public space.

Artists are always happy to chat to visitors who pass through, showing their work and discussing techniques and creative stories. A community of artists such as this is not only a positive thing for the artists themselves but a valuable resource for the larger community.

Fleurieu Arthouse offers a relaxing and inspiring environment for creative endeavours and classes

At Fleurieu Arthouse, we also offer spaces for one-off events such as workshops, classes and meetings. In addition to our artist’s studios, we also have large tables available within our design space and these are often used by visiting artists who wish to run classes or workshops in pottery, jewellery and self-development.

For creatives, it’s an ideal situation. Running workshops in a space designed for artists and for people who love art, is fulfilling and inspiring. For visitors to the space, the chance to soak up a creative atmosphere of productivity and creativity is fun and interesting.

Check our Workshops and Events page to learn more about what’s coming up in terms of workshops and classes at Fleurieu Arthouse. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, get in touch with the team and we’ll be happy to help.

A jewellery workshop at Fleurieu Arthouse

Providing artists with a home for their work and teaching practice

A number of our artists teach in addition to using their studios for their own art practice. Currently, we have 3 artists offering classes from their studios at varying times. The studios provide artists with the ideal venue from which to teach - as our artists have 24 hour access to the building, they’re not limited in when they can offer classes.

Visit our Art Classes page to learn more about classes or to sign up.

Without co-working spaces, artists would have a lonelier working life but equally, the public would miss out on so much of the wonderful creative processes which are shared in studios and galleries like Fleurieu Arthouse.

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Paint and Sip at Fleurieu Arthouse

Paint and sip evenings are pressure-free painting lessons with a glass or two of wine! Often, there are light snacks to be had and you have guidance from an experiejnced art teacher.

Usually, all participants work on the same subject matter which could be a portrait, still life, landscape or maybe an abstract piece. Having everyone work on the same piece is a fun way to create an atmosphere of camaraderie - you can share tips and progress with your fellow painters!

What is Paint and Sip?

You may have heard about paint and sip evenings but have questions! Maybe you’ve no idea what they’re about at all or perhaps you have some knowledge but want to learn more.

Well, look no further. We’re here to answer all your questions about paint and sip evenings in Adelaide.

Paint and sip evenings are pressure-free painting lessons with a glass or two of wine! Often, there are light snacks to be had and you have guidance from an experiejnced art teacher.

Usually, all participants work on the same subject matter which could be a portrait, still life, landscape or maybe an abstract piece. Having everyone work on the same piece is a fun way to create an atmosphere of camaraderie - you can share tips and progress with your fellow painters!

As you work, your teacher will walk you through the different stages of painting - sketching the design, underpainting and so on. Your painting will gradually come to life and by the end, you’ll be hooked!

Frida Kahlo paint and sip workshop

New, regular paint and sip sessions at Fleurieu Arthouse

We’re pleased to announce that we're going to be holding more regular paint and sip evenings here at Fleurieu Arthouse thanks to popular demand.

There’s a real interest in paint and sip for a growing number of people - and the way paint and sip is set up makes art much more accessible for everyone.

It’s a great way to begin painting again if you haven’t picked up a brush for a while. A professional artist will get you back in the swing of things in no time.

Even if you haven’t touched an easel since high school, it’s fine! Paint and sip in McLaren Vale is a no-pressure, fun learning environment.

Why is it called paint and sip?

It’s called paint and Sip or a reason - the idea is that you enjoy a glass or two of wine whilst you work. Getting all warm and cosy, losing yourself in the process of painting and spending time with others is a wonderful way to relax whilst improving your skills.

Here at Fleurieu Arthouse we’re lucky enough to be on the doorstep of Hardys Tintara Winery, so we have access to a wonderful array of wines.

Enjoying an evening of art with good wine and a delicious charcuterie board is a fantastic end of week treat.

Paint and sip as a gift - or a date!

What better gift for a loved-one than a fun evening together? Doing something completely different from your usual routine is great for your mental health and for friends and relatives, it’s the best possible way to spend time together.

Maybe you’re looking for a date night with a difference? Why not invite your date to spend a creative evening with you? The relaxed, creative atmosphere of a paint and sip night is probably just what you need to further your bond!

What’s included at a paint and sip evening?

Everything you need to create a gorgeous work of art. You will be seated at a large table with a tabletop easel to work from. You’ll also be provided with an apron and a canvas to paint.

All paints, brushes, canvases, aprons and easels are provided at Fleurieu Arthouse Paint and Sip Evenings

Paints are also provided and the most popular are generally acrylics - they’re a good choice because they’re easy to use and work for most painting styles. Brushes and so on are part of the deal - you really only need to bring yourself!

At Fleurieu Arthouse, we' offer wine by the glass for sale in addition to a selection of light snacks. - if you’d prefer to bring your own snacks, that’s cool with us too!

Visit our Workshops and Events page to find out what’s on at Fleurieu Arthouse.

Find us at 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale.



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The Fleurieu Arthouse - How it all Began

The idea of a gallery which also hosted resident artists had been germinating in the minds of Anna Small and Warren Pickering for some time and when the venue at Hardy’s Tintara, 202 Main Road in McLaren Vale became vacant, they knew it was the perfect location.

A large, old industrial process building which had originally been used to make and store cherry brandy amongst other things, the space came complete with massive, weathered old barrels and antique presses too large to move.

Art galleries in Adelaide have always been an important part of society. Adelaide has a long history with art and The South Australian Society of Arts was founded as early as 1856. It wouldn’t become The Royal South Australian Society of Arts until 1935 when a Royal Charter was granted by King George V.

Considering the city itself was only founded in 1836, the fact that the people had established a society within 20 years is an indicator of just how important art was to those early Europeans who arrived in the region to make it their home.

The original society held a yearly exhibition in rooms in the South Australian Institute off Kintore Street. The earliest works on display were produced by students of the school of art which was attached to the society and within a few years, pieces were loaned by ST Gill and Col. William Light among other private collectors.

Still, it wasn’t until 1880 that the government awarded the society the sum of 2000 pounds in order to allow the acquisition of more diverse art.

Since those very early days, art galleries in Adelaide have continued to spring up - and not only the city centre, but in rural and suburban towns across S.A.

How did Fleurieu Arthouse begin?

Back in August of 2017, Anna Small and Warren Pickering, owners of A Small Art Factory, opened the doors of Fleurieu Arthouse for the first time.

The exterior of Fleurieu Arthouse featuring signage created by Anna Small and Warren Pickering

The idea of a gallery which also hosted resident artists had been germinating in the minds of the couple for some time and when the venue at Hardy’s Tintara, 202 Main Road in McLaren Vale became vacant, they knew it was the perfect location.

A large, old industrial process building which had originally been used to make and store cherry brandy amongst other things, the space came complete with massive, weathered old barrels and antique presses too large to move.

Undeterred, Anna and Warren simply made them part of the gallery’s display and Warren meticulously built the individual studios for the resident artists using timber supplied by the winery.

Anna reached out to local artists and soon, the space was filled with paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics and sculpture - not to mention artists!

The studios are almost always filled to capacity and have been since day one. The Arthouse is a wonderful community in which artists may support one another and grow their businesses under the umbrella of the entity which Anna and Warren created more than half a decade ago.

Not “just” a gallery

The Arthouse is really four areas in one - there’s the design space, which is the first space visitors walk into upon arrival. That’s full to the brim with high-quality art in the form of original paintings and handmade prints, ceramics and glass, jewellery, textiles, sculpture and accessories. Then there’s the coffee bar tucked in a corner of the design space and serving fresh, barista-made coffee and locally baked cakes and pastries.

Then there’s the gallery itself which hosts a new exhibition each month and of course, the artist’s studios with 8 spaces for working artists.

The Arthouse plays host to many special events and openings as well as art classes - both regular and special one-off workshops.

Aiming to be an immersive experience for both visitors and residents alike, the Arthouse has a warm and welcoming atmosphere - people call in and stick around for far longer than they might linger in a traditional gallery.

Conceived as a space to offer the best in locally produced artworks whilst at the same time offering a safe space to creatives, the Arthouse continues to thrive against the odds - even Covid couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Arthouse and it closed for barely 2 weeks during the height of the pandemic.

What’s next?

Many plans are in the pipeline for the Arthouse including a Winter Festival and more Paint and Sip evenings - both with dates still to be confirmed.

If you’re interested in attending any of our classes, keep an eye on our Instagram or watch our events page for announcements.

The Arthouse is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and some Mondays - opening hours are 11.00am till 4.00pm

Please call 08 7288 3095 with any enquiries

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South Australian Sculpture at Fleurieu Arthouse

South Australian Sculpture at The Fleurieu Arthouse - A Small Art Factory, Joy Levins, Wendy Lee, Geoff Bromilow and more. Metal sculpture Adelaide - ceramic sculpture and glass.

Sculpture was always going to be a big part of the offerings at Fleurieu Arthouse. After all, owners Warren Pickering and Anna Small are the husband and wife duo behind A Small Art Factory - a South Australian business specialising in bespoke metal sculpture.

A Small Art Factory is well-known on the Fleurieu Peninsula and as it happens, much further beyond our little corner of Australia, because Anna and Warren regularly receive commissions from interstate.

The work produced by the pair can be seen everywhere from parks and schools to esplanades and private collections across the region and further afield.

Their distinctive style is unmistakable and always appealing.

The Goggles - Public Art at Port Noarlunga by Anna Small and Warren Pickering

Anna and Warren are kept very busy with their own work in addition to their commitment to running the Arthouse. They produce a range of metal pieces designed to adorn the home both inside and out as well as public pieces like The Goggles pictured above.

Bench seat - Mild steel, spotted gum hardwood

The benches which Anna and Warren produce are lacquered in Penatrol to ensure a long-lasting, weatherproof finish. All enquiries for benches or other works to A Small Art Factory or here, at the Arthouse.

For interiors and exteriors alike, Anna and Warren’s popular wall art series includes some of South Australia’s favourite flora such as the Banksia piece below. All enquiries as above.

Banksia - Mild steel by A Small Art Factory

WENDY LEE

The range at the Arthouse is ever-varied and in addition to metal sculpture, we also show some beautiful ceramic, glass and timber works. Ceramicist Wendy Lee’s series of sculptures of the female form are popular conversation-starters here in the design space.

Her fun and thought-provoking sculptures of unashamedly voluptuous women are rendered in a variety of poses and colours and they regularly catch the eyes and the hearts of our visitors.

A clutch of Wendy Lee’s lovely ceramic women

Wendy worked for many years with women who were experiencing difficult life situations and who were in need of support. She was and still is, inspired by the strength and resilience of those women. These sculptures are Wendy’s ode to them - their innate power captured in the curvaceous, yet solid figures.

JOY LEVINS GLASS

Of the Sea - Coral Bowl by Joy Levins

Joy Levins’ kiln fired glass can currently be seen in our exhibition “A Cornucopia of Art” in the main gallery and Joy also sells via our design space all year round. She produces delicate forms, sometimes whimsical and always beautiful.

Joy’s work transcends the limits of dimension thanks to the ethereal shadows which the pieces often cast when displayed in the correct light.

MELISSA DUNCAN

Melissa Duncan’s fun and intricate sculptures are currently on display in our main gallery as part of the exhibition A Cornucopia of Art. Pictured above is her piece “Well Loved” which is mixed media and can be purchased here at Fleurieu Arthouse, online or via telephone. View the catalogue here.

GEOFF BROMILOW

Sculptural form in Huon pine by Geoff Bromilow

As an artist and conservationist, Geoff Bromilow has a deep connection to timber as for many years he worked as an Arborist. His understanding of timber in its natural, fallen state is displayed in the sculptural forms which he carves by hand.

Geoff’s work is available here at the Arthouse and includes larger forms in addition to utility pieces such as utensils and boards.

Accessible, locally made sculpture for the home and garden

Sculpture adds something that’s hard to define to a space. Paintings on walls can entertain, challenge and educate as well as move, delight or sadden the viewer. Sculpture can do all of those things but also fills space in a more comprehensive fashion.

Adding life to a dead corner or a focal point to a garden, sculpture can throw architectural details into the spotlight, change an atmosphere and even the lighting of a space.

With more than a touch of magic, sculpture brings another element into your space, whether indoors or out and here at Fleurieu Arthouse you can find a wealth on display.

We are open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday each week - find us a 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

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Anna SMALL Anna SMALL

New Year and New Faces at Fleurieu Arthouse

Fleurieu Arthouse gallery, studios and design space stocks a wide range of handmade pottery, paintings, sculpture, jewellery, glass and more. Enjoy a barista made coffee and browse a diverse collection of work from the Fleurieu region

January is always a busy time at the Arthouse - many visitors from Adelaide and interstate ensure we’re kept busy. There are also our usual workshops and lessons taking place and the atmosphere is generally buzzing with creativity.

It’s also a great time to introduce artists new to the fold and we have a number to welcome in 2023!

Ian Burman

Clinton Landscape - Ian Burman

Ian Burman’s work arrived early this month and his paintings are a beautiful addition to our design space. Ian is a well-established, award-winning painter working mainly in acrylics. He finds inspiration in the landscapes around him, particularly in derelict rural properties.

Peppercorn Shadows Blinman - Ian Burman

Lesley Redgate

Landscapes are a popular theme for many of SA’s artists - partly due to the stunning natural features we’re lucky enough to live among.

Well-known local artist Lesley Redgate has also recently made a return to Fleurieu Arthouse and we couldn’t be happier - Lesley’s work is instantly recognisable thanks to her distinctive style which perfectly captures the beauty and energy of the Fleurieu Region.

Fan Bay, Second Valley - Lesley Redgate

Lesley, who works mainly in acrylics, watercolour and pen and ink also teaches a popular class from her studio in Willunga. Her cards and prints are now available at the Arthouse.

Evening Calm, Port Willunga - Lesley Redgate

Louise Vadasz

Another of our new faces is Louise Vadasz. Louise, who is a McLaren Vale native, produces vibrant still-life paintings in oil and heavy impasto. The bright, impressionistic pieces are very popular with our visitors and we also stock a selection of Louises’ greeting cards.

Louise Vadasz in her studio

Vase Flowers Louise Vadasz

some of the most beautiful Handmade pottery in adelaide can be found right here in mclaren vale

You may or may not be aware that we’re lucky enough to stock some of the most beautiful ceramics in Adelaide right here at Fleurieu Arthouse. Ceramics are one of those evergreen objects of beauty which fulfil a certain need in us all.

Whether it’s a comfortingly rustic mug for a hot drink or a hand carved platter suitable for a special occasion, one-off ceramic pieces appeal to most people.

We have some stunning pieces currently in stock and by a variety of local ceramicists. There are regular deliveries of new ceramics to the Arthouse and we’re always pleased to unbox them!

Alexandra Linden’s “Linden Haus” line of decorative and functional pieces encompasses a broad range of styles. Among the hand painted cups, platters and dishes are a selection of earthenware vases with gloriously thick glazes and almost architectural features like this one pictured below. Alex’s work tends to sell fast and since she joined us at the Arthouse, it has made it’s way into homes and collections across the globe.

Vases by Linden Haus

Platters and utensils by Linden Haus

Another of our lovely ceramic artists is Morgyn Stacy of Parrot and Pea Ceramics. Morgyn produces a range of beautiful ceramics, both functional and decorative. All of Parrot and Pea’s pieces are food safe - check out the tiny mushroom dishes! Perfect for sauces or seeds!

Mushroom dishes - Parrot and Pea Ceramics

Pink vase and botanical dish - Parrot and Pea Ceramics

Parrot and Pea’s range includes pocket-sized vases which are perfect for tiny posies of dried or fresh flowers; whimsical, pretty and just right for a special gift.

Clay Kits at Fleurieu Arthouse

We now stock boxed Clay Kits at the Arthouse. These are a great way to dip your toes into the wonderful world of ceramics or as a creative gift to a friend or loved-one. Each kit contains 1kg of quality ceramic clay, some simple wooden tools as well as tips and ideas.

The clay included has been chosen for its qualities - it’s easy to work with, strong and great for creating fine details. Fire it in a kiln or let it air-dry and paint it. Make a cup, a botanical print trinket dish, animals, hanging decorations or whatever you can dream up.

Clay Kits at Fleurieu Arthouse

Hand crafted glass at Fleurieu Arthouse

Talking of gifts, if you’re more of a glass person, we have a wide range of beautiful glassware here at the Arthouse.

Ever-popular Caslake and Pedler’s range of bowls, jugs, tumblers and more decorative pieces are a big hit with our visitors. The husband and wife team’s distinctive style is reminiscent of days spent beside the ocean, conjuring up images of sea-foam and sea-glass. Their quirky pieces include waves, jelly babies, rabbits and shark fins.

Glass Couds by Caslake and Pedler

Sorbet dishes by Caslake and Pedler

Iain Govan’s gorgeous leadlight hanging decorations and larger sculptural pieces are always popular too. Iain’s leadlight candle holders sometimes feature delicate antique glass which Iain sources and repurposes. His leaves, peace signs and pretty glass hanging hearts.

Leadlight leaves/hearts by Iain Govan

Joy Levins is another of our glass artists - her range includes framed hearts, earrings, cards and more.

The Arthouse is always brimming with treasures - pop in and lose some time browsing the diverse work of the Fleurieu region.

There’s also a coffee bar here at the Arthouse - we serve fresh toasted sandwiches daily, gluten free cakes and a range of cookies alongside our barista made coffees.

Find us at 202 Main Road, McLaren Vale.

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