Ripples on the River

As the only American River venue in Art Feast this year, Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge has made the trip down the road to the river worthwhile.

The exhibition which features photographers Pete Nash, Dean Wiles, Yvonne Merendi and Katrina Kenny, painter Helen Gerschwitz, fabric fantastic Margaret Smyth and Kenita Williamson who recycles washed up objects into gorgeous wall hangings.

Local ball of action Jacqueline Geisler has done well to bring together an interesting assemblage of artists who reflect the area well and make the most of a very large space.

American River is a lovely spot with public art, particularly the pelicans by Dave Clarke, and art trail and other walking trails to get you to the best scenic spots – actually, there aren’t any bad scenic spots in American River.

The beauty of the area begs to be photographed.

Local resident Pete Nash presents black and white landscape photos in elongated horizontal form which captures the essence of the area.

Dean Wiles concentrates on the Dutch tall ships that recently visited on their way to Sydney Harbour, where they are now participating in the Australian Navy celebrations.

Painter Helen Gerschwitz has a mannered style that is all her own. Her usual subjects of glossy black-cockatoos and leafy seadragon are complemented by other creatures she is now portraying as well as an interesting venture into landscape.

Margaret Smyth is a knitter and fabric artist with and keen imagination and eye for garments out of the ordinary and those that suit day to day wear.

The Snapper Class from the local school, Kangaroo Island Community Education, have rendered paintings on paper of the things that inspire them about the river. It’s a colourful wall.

Buy a ticket in the raffle for the ‘Rebuild the Independence’ fund. First prize is a tall ship portrait by award winning painter Nicholas Burness Pike.

Ripples on the River at Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge, Scenic Drive American River, open every day, 10am to 4pm, until Sunday 13 October.