#SCCFringe Artspace

Southern Cross Care SA & NT received incredible support for their inaugural ‘Fringe at Lourdes’ program in 2016, initiated by Margot Ludowici, so for the 2017 Adelaide Fringe season, the entire Southern Cross Care community has been involved. 

“It’s the people’s festival. No matter where you are, how old you are, or what you are doing, the Adelaide Fringe is yours.” declared David Minear, current Chair Adelaide Fringe at the Southern Cross Care Fringe Program launch.

This season, Southern Cross Care engaged Julianne Pierce from Art Engineers as the SCC Fringe Producer and also engaged an ‘all hands on deck’ philosophy from key sites to help draw in local artists and craftsmen to participate in unique 'ArtSpace' community events.  Retired art teachers, artists and painters, nature lovers, flower arrangers, photographers and poets all shared their skills and passions with Artspace attendees.

Artspace at Lourdes

The original location for the inaugural Adelaide Fringe program in 2016, Lourdes valley was the first cab off the ranks this year.  It was a beautiful day - positioned again in front of the Waterford Apartments. Margot Ludowici, the initiator of this Fringe Program, was again portrait painted "live" by a local artist. Last year Margot was painted by Tsering Hannaford and this picture now hangs in The Lodge; this year she was painted by Philip David.

The Artbus’s Claire and Miranda joined Southern Cross Care again for each Artspace day, providing a variety of art activities for everyone to enjoy; from painting coasters, to self portraits, to simple but effective painting exercises, they were a popular workshop which all residents thoroughly enjoyed.

The Adelaide Fringe performers included the roving Anya Anastasia as Marie Antoinette, The Deco Dolls and Eloise Green the Hula Queen. 

There were market style stalls including Blue Planet Dolls who are the up-cycled, one of a kind dolls and handmade accessories, Christine Tenni-Smith (artist) with her pottery pieces, Deanne Dicker (artist) sharing her love for painting, Antoinette Hunter with her photography and Christine Jeffrey with her hand made cards. 

As Nelia said, “Thank you for bringing this here, we love it! I used to always go to the theatre and it makes me so happy!”

Artspace at The Pines, John Martin House

This Artspace day took on a life of it's own as the Pines Residents Group (all retirees) set up stalls such as Tony Kennedy's "Art by Nature", "Colouring-In" exercises using the Fringe's Unicorn theme, and Priscilla and Amy's local OpShop.

Local staff members shared their artistic side by creating stalls of their own art, craft and photographic pieces. Health & Wellness Group - the Southern Steppers provided a demonstration of their dance routines for all. Movin' Melvin Brown then stepped in and tapped his way around the floor. He got everyone up tapping and the day ended with a dance workshop with an international legend! As Michael said, "I can’t wait to see ‘Movin Melvin’s full Fringe performance, as I really like tap dancing, I am really looking forward to it!."

As Carleen, Colouring-In Resident Group member said, "It was a joy to see the expressions on the people as they watched the performers and joined in the activities."

Another said, "You could sense the vibe as soon as you walked in the door - the place was alive (and loud from all the chatter and laughter!!)".

Artspace at The Philip Kennedy Centre

This Artspace day included Adelaide Fringe performers such as the roving Anya Anastasia as Marie Antoinette, a magician and the very popular Madam BonBon with her manservant Noddy.

There were market style stalls from local artists, gardeners, candle makers, poets and resident Marie had Op Shop items for sale while encouraging everyone to knit.

As Margaret Baker said, "A perfect South Australian day with clear blue skies and a light breeze, a fabulous day to be outside in the fresh air."

Click here to find out more about Southern Cross Care's aged care services in South Australia & the Northern Territory.