A CAPTIVATING exhibition featuring fascinating stories depicting the journeys of women who have settled in the Penola district is set to remain permanently at Parker Coonawarra Estate.
The exhibition, Portraits of Penola Women – They Came For Love, was launched at this year’s Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival, with a plan to only stay for the remainder of the event.
However, in light of its overwhelming success, the exhibition, developed by the Terra Rossa Country Women’s Association, will continue to display the stories of eight Penola women who came to the town for love.
“It was such a well-received exhibition and the number of visitors to the winery has been phenomenal since its opening,” CWA member Anne Johnson said.
The exhibition has gained momentum around the country following national and state media coverage and recognition in parliament by Member for Barker Tony Pasin.
“The coverage has been amazing, along with Mr Pasin getting up in parliament and commending our Terra Rossa CWA and exhibition photographer Christy Radford on such a fabulous display,” Ms Johnson said.
“That was really special.”
Ms Johnson said the exhibition was fantastic promotion for the region and a positive experience for participants involved.
“It is aimed at really just celebrating Penola women, which is what our CWA is all about,” she said.
“I always knew it was going to be wonderful and it fulfilled every hope.”
Ms Johnson said the women involved where overwhelmed with the response to their stories, with people who were unfamiliar now gaining a better understanding.
“It has been such a positive experience for them all and especially for those who made the transition from overseas,” she said.
“It is a big change and they are quite pioneering in their own way.”
Each year, the group will change the theme of the exhibition, with next year’s exhibition set on the concept Penola Women – They Came for Work.
“We have a real cross section of people in the community, from all age groups with really interesting stories that we are eager to tell,” Ms Johnson said.
