SALA Festival exhibitions open at Murray Bridge Marketplace, Coorong Gallery
Two local exhibitions celebrate South Australia's living artists – and Bridge Arts is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023, too.
Locals support locals – that’s why this recent post is now free to read. Your support can help Murray Bridge News tell important local stories. Subscribe today.
A usually vacant shop at Murray Bridge Marketplace and the walls of the Coorong council office have been transformed into colourful, tightly packed art galleries for the 2023 SALA Festival.
Members and friends of Bridge Arts packed the pop-up gallery at the Marketplace more tightly still on Friday night for the launch of the exhibition Creative Collections – and to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary.
The Murray Bridge Regional Arts Society was originally formed by John and Elizabeth De Koke, together with other local artists, in 2003.
Locals support locals. Your support helps Murray Bridge News tell important local stories.
Between 2013 and 2017 the group operated its own space, Murray Bridge Studio Gallery, on Railway Terrace.
Under its current name, the group finally found a long-term home in one of the old railway buildings near the Round House in 2018.
Its 40-plus members have held countless classes, workshops and get-togethers over the years, along with regular exhibitions.
In declaring the exhibition open, Murray Bridge Mayor Wayne Thorley thanked the artists for their cultural contributions: “for sharing your care, your passion, your love with the rest of us”.
It will remain on show from 10am-4pm on weekdays, and 11am-3pm on weekends, until this Sunday, August 20.
Bridge Arts member Kerry Wilson encouraged any locals with an interest in the arts to come and join in with the “eclectic” group.
- More information: Visit www.salafestival.com or bridgearts.wordpress.com, or search for “Bridge Arts” on Facebook.
- Read more: Join in … with Bridge Arts
Open exhibition opens at Tailem Bend
Meanwhile, another SALA exhibition has opened to the public at the Coorong Gallery at Tailem Bend.
This year’s exhibition has no theme, according to the Coorong council, “allowing for a collaborative exhibition celebrating the talent of emerging and established artists in our diverse region through various mediums of work”.
It will be available to view from 9.30am-4.30pm on weekdays until September 20.
- More information: www.salafestival.com.