Top artists to open new space

Penola’s newest art space and home to the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival (PCAF), Still Water Studio will open its doors to the public on Sunday, December 1, with an official opening at 2pm.

The space will be opened by South Australian artist Richard Maurovic alongside PCAF’s long standing committee member and local artist Lois Hodge.

PCAF president John Mossop said they were thrilled to welcome Richard Maurovic again to Penola to open Still Water Studio, who back in 2009 officially opened the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival at Local Images.

Richard Maurovic’s art book Shaping Life will be available for sale at the opening event.

Carrick Hill Historic House and Garden director Richard Heathcote outlined what makes Richard special in the preface of Shaping Life.

“He has exhibited interstate and in London, but this is not the main reason he transcends the category of local artist.” Richard wrote.

“He is able to go beyond the parochial and through his images, speak to us of universal truth. He does this by engaging our senses and revealing the beauty of machines, ordinary places and the objects of daily life.”

PCAF secretary Peta Baverstock said following the opening, Still Water Studio will be staffed by volunteers, hopefully for four days a week, for a few hours each day.

“If you love art and are keen be a part of a dynamic new studio space in Penola’s heart, we are putting a call out for any people in the community to volunteer in the new venue for a few hours a week, one or more days a month,” she said.

“This is an opportunity for anyone interested in art to be involved with a dynamic new space which will eventually play host to events, art programs, workshops and more.

“It’s an opportunity for local people to give something back to their own community and develop a sense of connection to others in the community at the same time.”

Another way to show support for the new Still Water Studio and the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival is to become a Friend of the Festival.

“Our Friends program is a very important element of the festival as it enables the community to contribute not only their time as our volunteers do, but with a donation to become a Friend. Funds raised in this way helps PCAF to deliver the wonderful array of creative events held through Penola and Coonawarra each year during May’s festival,” said Mr Mossop.

“By becoming a Friend you will help us to keep securing artists and promoting Penola’s rich arts history and fine Coonawarra food and wine over an exciting weekend of creative events.”

For as little as $50 you can become a friend of the festival each year. Friends receive a tax-deductible receipt for their donation, public recognition in thanks for their donation and also receive priority invitations to Arts Festival events.

To become a Friend for the 2025 Festival, head to www.artsfestival.com.au and join in the Festival festivities. To register your interest in volunteering at Still Water Studio, send an email to [email protected]

Photo credit With Love Photography for Lois Hodge profile.