Gawler and District College are holding their first solo SALA exhibition with “The Muse” theme.

The exhibition was officially opened last week by local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo.

Mr Piccolo said it was great to see the schools acknowledging the importance of the creative arts from both a social and economic perspective.

Across the road, Trinity College also officially opened their annual SALA exhibition showcasing portraiture artwork.

The exhibition with the theme of “Unmasked, Portraiture In A Pandemic” is the culmination of work undertaken during an “Artist in Residence” program led by nationally celebrated, and Archibald Prize winning artist, Cherry Hood.

In his opening remarks Mr Piccolo said the creative arts are often seen as “soft subjects” with little job or career potential which is unfortunate because the creative arts can make huge contributions to the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

“Parents, schools and communities need to encourage and nurture our young artists as their work provides important insights of where our communities are at and can generate valuable visitor opportunities,” said Mr Piccolo.

“The Gawler and District College exhibition is very timely as it focusses on what inspires the young artists work through personal reflection”

“The art of reflection is often lost in modern times, yet it through reflection we can help build a fairer and more just society”

Mr Piccolo reflected upon his own days at Gawler High School (the precursor to Gawler & District College) and said the young artists displayed a great deal more maturity than his at their age.

Mr Piccolo commended the young artists for having the courage to exhibit their work and open themselves up for both positive and negative feedback.

Mr Piccolo said the Trinity College exhibition is how young people see the impact the pandemic has had on individuals though looking at people’s faces.

“Portraiture art tells us how people are experiencing the world at a moment in time” and is an important contribution to our social history.

Details of exhibition opening times can be obtained by contacting Trinity College on 0404 180 692 and Gawler and District College on 8521 2400.