SA artist researches new exhibition in the heart of the Limestone Coast

SOUTH Australian artist and designer Frida Las Vegas, aka Stavroula Adameitis, took up residency at The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre last week, ahead of her upcoming summer exhibition Coast with The Most.

Known for her bold, maximalist graphic artwork and textiles, Frida Las Vegas celebrates colour, kitsch and Australiana through a contemporary lens.

Her residency informed the development of Coast with The Most, which launches at The Riddoch on November 21.

Drawing on research undertaken during her time in the Limestone Coast, alongside childhood memories of family holidays in the region, Coast with The Most reimagines nostalgia in a contemporary and interactive exhibition.

The exhibition will spotlight local legends and celebrate the icons that define the Limestone Coast community, with humour and heart for visitors of all ages.

“I’m thrilled to experience all the iconic sights, sounds, people and places of the gorgeous Limestone Coast. I’m already blown away (no pun intended) by the eruption of creativity from the local community, which makes the region such a treasure trove of delights to explore in my upcoming installation Coast with The Most at The Riddoch in November,” Stavroula Adameitis said.

During her residency, Stavroula explored both the natural landmarks that attract visitors to the region and the people and places that give the Limestone Coast its distinctive character.

Her visit included iconic locations such as the Blue Lake/Warwar, Little Blue Lake, Mount Schank, Potters Point, the Robe Obelisk, Larry the Lobster in Kingston SE, Tantanoola Caves, Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, Cave Garden/Thugi and Engelbrecht Cave.

Food culture, a recurring feature in Stavroula’s work, also played an important role in her research.

While in the region she also visited Port MacDonnell for fish and chips and a lobster roll, sampled a Moloney’s blue lemonade, enjoyed a scroll from Scroll Queen in Mount Gambier, and visited much-loved local institutions including the OK Pie Shop and The Golden Chopsticks.

With a strong interest in Australiana and 1960s to early 2000s culture, Stavroula also spent time at the Mount Gambier Library History Room, Millicent Museum and with local history groups.

Her residency saw her taking up the opportunity to connect with residents and recognise the contributions of community groups, including morning tea with the Pleasant Park Ladies, volunteers at the Women’s Work Depot, and a visit to the Mount Gambier Theatre Group at Wehl Street Theatre.

Director of The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development Ashleigh Whatling said it was exciting to host Frida Las Vegas, aka Stavroula Adameitis, as the gallery’s Artist in Residence last week.

“Stavroula is an iconic Australian artist, who celebrates hyper-local heroes and Australiana with flair and humour,” Ms Whatling said. “Stavroula will spend time learning about the special icons and places in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast during her visit, which be infused with her signature colourful and graphic style in Coast with The Most later this year.”

The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 2pm weekends and public holidays. Entry is free.

For more information, visit www.theriddoch.com.au or follow The Riddoch on Facebook or Instagram.