ACH Group’s art community is ready for the 2021 South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival.
In its 11th year of participation, ACH Group’s community of customers, residents, volunteers, and staff have submitted over 100 works under the theme of ‘From little things big things grow’ to be exhibited across three venues state-wide.
The majority of works have been created in ACH Group’s community arts groups, run across metropolitan Adelaide and the Fleurieu Peninsula, as well as art classes in residential care homes.
Community class artist Stephen Hill has submitted an acrylic on canvas painting of a Monarch butterfly sitting on a sunflower.
The SALA Festival marks one year since Stephen joined the ACH Group art class held in Aberfoyle Park.
Stephen is living with Parkinson’s Disease, and the prospects of a new hobby he would enjoy, combined with being aware that art can be a useful therapy for Parkinson’s made the decision to join the group an easy one.
“With Parkinson’s there is nothing you can do about its existence and progression. It is all about managing and finding activities that might make it easier to live with it,” he said.
“The activity forces my brain and nervous system to concentrate hard, so I can hold the paint brush steady.
“Even though I had never done painting in my adult life, I have always had a certain interest in it and in high school I was fairly good at it. I am enjoying the classes and look forward to exhibiting in SALA.”
To celebrate SALA, ACH Group is offering free come and try art classes available to people aged 65 and over.
To find a class near you and for exhibition opening times visit www.achgroup.org.au/event/sala/