AN EXHIBITION depicting the journey of eight Penola women “who came to the town for love” has provided insight into their lives.
The exhibition, Portraits of Penola Women – They Came For Love, was launched at the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival as a means for the Terra Rossa Country Women’s Association and community to celebrate Penola’s women.
The portraits of the eight women, captured by Christy Radford of With Love Photography, were recently showcased at Parker Coonawarra Estate.
The event aimed to reveal the stories about the significant transition women made from their home country or city to Penola for their loved one.
Women travelled from places as far as the USA, Philippines and Italy and as near as Mount Gambier, Roxby Downs, Adelaide and Melbourne.
“All of these women contribute to the diversity, depth and richness of the town and region,” organiser Anne Johnson said.
Parker Coonawarra Estate Cellar Door manager Erica Kay said around 80 people flocked to the winery during the opening of the exhibition.
“From then on, people began to come in droves,” she said.
“Usually this is a quiet time for us, but we have been busy each weekend as people are coming just to see the exhibition,” Ms Kay said.
Over the weekend of the arts festival, over 200 people came through the winery’s doors.
“I think the exhibition increased visitation numbers by around 25pc,” she said.
“It is a really positive thing to showcase to the local community.
“Our hats go off to the Terra Rossa Country Women’s Association – they have really celebrated the women of Penola.”
