Totems annual prize and artworks to go on permanent display

Chief Executive David Moran has announced a new art prize named in honour of retiring Southern Cross Care Community Foundation Chair Michelle McCormack.

The announcement was made at the closing ceremony of the outstanding 2024 South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival exhibition titled Totems.

Totems featured 18 collections of stunning totem poles designed by residents and clients, capturing their childhood stories, memories and creativity.

For the first time this year there was a people’s choice vote so everyone could nominate their favourite totem poles.

The winner of the people’s choice award - now to be known as the Michelle McCormack Art Prize - was Carmelite Residential Care.

Big congratulations to all our Carmelite artists and everyone who helped make Totems a huge success.

The totem poles created at each home and site will now be returned and permanently added to gardens and courtyards so these wonderful art pieces can provide ongoing enjoyment for residents, clients, family, staff and visitors.

The arts program and the SALA exhibition have been generously supported by the Southern Cross Care Community Foundation, enabling our artists to explore their creativity through art classes, to build social connections and build a bridge over loneliness.

Fishing, playing music and even windchimes on a balcony are all depicted in this year's creations, making this collection a memorable and thought-provoking exhibition.

The Pines Men’s Shed also helped prepare the art materials and there was a squad of volunteers who lent a hand to get Totems ready for public exhibition.  

Totems has been an enthusiastic whole-of-community effort and our artists should all be very proud.

See more about Totems in our Southern Star Magazine here.