SALA exhibition openings celebrate heart, healing and imagination

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Mannum artists are proudly taking part in this year’s SALA Festival, which features more than 15,000 artists across more than 600 venues statewide.

Exhibitions opened on Friday at both the Arnold Gallery and Mannum Community College.

Both will run throughout August, showcasing a wide range of artworks, from professional pieces to imaginative student creations.

The festival highlights the community’s creativity and brings people together to celebrate art’s power to inspire and heal.

Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey attended both openings, and expressed pride in the talent on display.

“To show the world the art, and to get the kids used to that, you know, and to being proud of themselves (is valuable),” she said.

Despite having only two days off all month, Ms Bailey made sure to attend in person to demonstrate her strong support for the artists and the community’s creative spirit.

Imagination takes flight at Mannum Community College

This year’s SALA exhibition at the college features student artworks from reception to year 12, with no set theme – just creative freedom.

Artist and teacher Holly Clark highlighted pieces like an embroidered bag by year 9 student Mila and a pair of transformed shoes by year 8 Bella.

Another of Ms Clark’s personal favourites was a papier-mâché whale shark sculpture made with her daughter Evie, in year 7, and Evie’s friend Nyah.

She also invited local artist Steve Oatway to run a junk art workshop, where Isabelle and Isabella in year 11 created a recycled-material sculpture titled Mina.

She hoped visitors would enjoy seeing how young artists expressed themselves.

“Watching students grow through art is incredibly meaningful,” she said.

“That joy and engagement is the most amazing part.”

Year 9 history teacher Angela Groves shared the story behind her student Mia’s artwork: a bold, bright dragon named Barry the Second.

He looked big and ferocious, she said, but beneath his tough exterior, he was kind and lonely, and just looking for a friend.

Using Mia’s vivid imagination, they created a short story about Lucy, a girl who offers Barry a cookie, transforming fear into friendship.

Ms Groves sent the story to a friend at New Zealand Post, who arranged for custom stamps to be printed featuring Barry the Second, giving the dragon a life far beyond the classroom.

Mia’s artwork and the commemorative stamp sheet are both proudly displayed.

“She deserves the spotlight,” Ms Groves said.

“This story is exactly what I hope for as a teacher – it’s full of imagination, heart, and courage.”

Even the fiercest faces could hide the kindest hearts.

Another standout artwork came from Liam, a reception student.

When asked about his painting, Liam explained: “It’s a machine. It’s going to make copies of me, so I can help Mum.”

Asked what kind of help he planned to give, Liam said: “Like with all the things we have to unload from the car.”

Liam’s imaginative machine reflects the caring spirit of a young child eager to lend a hand and make life easier for his family.

“I have no idea … I’m still figuring out what I did on it,” said Joshua, a year 12 student, about his striking black-and-white artwork.

“It wasn’t planned; it just came from my mind, or maybe my heart.”

The piece shows a lone warrior figure carrying a sword, with the moon and clouds above and dead trees scattered across a desert that resembles stars, with bold words that read “What now?” and “Where to?”

Joshua’s work reflects the uncertainty many young people face at this stage of life, standing at a crossroads and searching for direction.

He hoped to study graphic design after graduating, he said.

Lena, from the Mannum Library, played a key role in setting up this year’s SALA display at the college, bringing an eye for creating a space that feels welcoming and well-balanced.

This year was especially meaningful – her children, Remy and Amelie Johnson, in year 6 and 9, both contributed artworks.

Amelie’s painting was based on an old photo from her year 5 graduation, capturing a joyful moment shared with close friends; while Remy’s playful and thoughtful piece, Who Said Chickens Can’t Fly?, was selected as the cover image for this year’s event flyer.

“I’m so proud of them,” their mum said.

“At home, we really value creativity and often make art together as a family.”

Biggest exhibition yet opens at visitor centre

Meanwhile, another exhibition, Art Unbound, had its opening at the Arnold Gallery, inside Mannum’s visitor information centre.

Coordinator Carol Carini said it was Mannum's biggest SALA exhibition yet.

“We have 43 pieces of artwork on display and 26 artists involved,” she said.

“As a member of both the Mannum Creative Communities and the Mannum Progress Association, I’d love to see more people join us, get involved, and create.”

Among the locals participating were Eric and Bezza, fresh arrivals from Queensland who said they already felt the town’s warm embrace.

Eric, a Ghanaian stone artist, was inspired by the river town’s calm and community.

“I came to find connection and creativity,” he said.

Steve Oatway’s journey into junk art began in 2001, sparked by a welding course while working for the Department of Defence.

What started as a technical skill quickly became a creative outlet, and eventually a passion.

Today, Mr Oatway is a familiar figure in Mannum’s creative scene, known for transforming scrap metal into striking, whimsical pieces.

“I don’t do it for money,” he said.

“I do it for mental health and wellbeing.

“I gave up alcohol (and) art became my therapy ... it’s the best healing I’ve ever known.”

At this year’s SALA Festival, Oatway showcases three new works at the Arnold Gallery, including a butterfly crafted from metal offcuts at a Tailem Bend workshop and a dragonfly made with parts from the paddlesteamer Murray Princess.

“It’s about transformation,” he said.

“Even an ugly caterpillar can become something beautiful.”

He also mentored Year 11 students from Mannum Community College in junk sculpture, inspiring new talent through hands-on workshops. 

One of those inspired by Oatway’s artwork was Pat Kerkenaar, who returned to her brushes with renewed purpose after five years away from painting, creating a vivid, soulful depiction of the Sedan bushland which is now on display at the gallery.

“That wild part of the world, it’s where I feel most connected with the universe and my spirit,” she said.

Creativity could heal, uplift, and connect, not just materials, but people and purpose.

Angelee Theodoros brought imagination and sustainability to the exhibition.

A former schoolteacher with more than 40 years’ experience, she paints landscapes, wildlife, gardens, and pets.

Her display includes three acrylic paintings, a papier-mâché bowl and a bird sculpture made from 20 recycled Mannum Mag magazines, inspired by a candle stand found at a garage sale.

“I create with whatever speaks to me or comes from the heart,” she said.

After decades as a junior primary teacher, Sandie Kuehne found a deeper voice through painting.

Joining the Keith Art Group in the 1980s and working as artist-in-residence, she’s blended her love for education and art to enrich her community.

This SALA, Kuehne’s two paintings of Asian elephants from Monarto Safari Park speak to her gentle care for wildlife.

Her illustrations grace beloved local books, and her original greeting cards – small gifts of beauty that connect hearts – add a personal touch to this year’s festival.

See this year’s SALA exhibitions

These are just a few of the stories behind the artworks at Mannum's SALA exhibitions.

Many more are waiting for you to discover.

Everyone sees something different, even in the same artwork.

What will you discover?

• See Art Unbound: Visit the Arnold Gallery at Mannum Visitor Information Centre from 9am-5pm on weekdays, or 9.30am-3pm on weekends, before August 31.
• See Taking Flight: Visit Mannum Community College from 3-4pm on school days until August 31.
• Read more: SALA Festival 2025: Your guide to what’s on in the Murraylands

Correction: The school exhibition is not in the college's library.