Charlotte Varcoe
AN unveiling of the final installation for the Penola Town Square will go ahead this Sunday with the $46,000 Generosity of Spirit sculpture coming to completion.
The sculpture will celebrate the women of Penola and Coonawarra including those who have shaped the communities and beyond.
Funded through community donations, the sculpture depicts a woman with her feet firmly on the ground, holding a young girl above her with great strength in her hands and a loving expression.
It was completed by Adelaide-based sculptor Gerry McMahon who captured the positivity, strength, determination, vision, kindness, generosity, courage and intergenerational empowerment.
Penola Town Square Working Group secretary Anne Johnson said Mr McMahon had captured all attributes in his sculpture.
“The communities of Penola and Coonawarra have a rich history of incredible women who have shaped these communities and beyond,” Ms Johnson said.
“The Penola Town Square Working Group wanted to show the communities gratitude to the women through commissioning a sculpture for the Penola Town Square.
“The decision was inspired by national and international campaigns to recognise the contribution of women through public are in public spaces…the working group decided to recognise all the women of Penola and Coonawarra who have shaped these communities and we do not know of any other community which has done this to date.”
Penola business owner, Robyn Wittwer said the town square was regularly used by tourists and locals alike.
“It is a beautiful place to sit and having a sculpture in the square will only add to it,” Ms Wittwer said.
“People who are in the town square often pop into the shops and I have a lot of tourists come into mind but it is also a nice feeling space.”
She said she was excited for the unveiling because there will be wineries in the square which would create a “real buzz”.
“Anything we do in the square creates a real buzz and I look forward to more events and functions held in the town square,” she said.
Ms Johnson said the working group was grateful for the generosity of the community, especially the major benefactors who donated up to $5,0000.
“Many of the donors, who wishes to pay tribute to a local woman or group of women, have also written stories and provided photos,” she said.
“These are fascinating stories and will be valuable historical resources.”
The stories are available online through the Wattle Range Council website with the official unveiling happening this Sunday at 1pm.
