Asculpture celebrating the women of Penola and Coonawarra who have shaped these communities and beyond will be officially unveiled on Sunday.

The “Generosity of Spirit” sculpture and signage, funded through generous community donations, will be unveiled as part of the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.

The communities of Penola and Coonawarra have a rich history of incredible women who have shaped these communities and beyond and the Penola Town Square Working Group wanted to show the community’s gratitude to the women through commissioning a sculpture for the Penola Town Square.

This decision was inspired by national and international campaigns to recognise the contribution of women through public art in public spaces.

The working group decided to recognise all the women of Penola and Coonawarra who have shaped these communities, something not believed done before.

Acclaimed Adelaide based sculptor Gerry McMahon was selected to create the contemporary sculpture.

He was asked to capture key attributes positivity, strength, determination, vision, kindness, generosity, courage and intergenerational empowerment.

The sculpture, three metres in height and made of Corten steel, is of a woman with her feet firmly on the ground holding a young girl high above her with great strength in her hands and a loving expression.

The poem ‘What if you can fly’, by Erin Hanson successfully captures the sentiment and intent of the sculpture.

Erin Hanson was very excited to provide permission for her poem to be used.

There is freedom waiting for you,

On the breezes of the sky,

And you ask “What if I fall?”

Oh but my darling, What if you fly?

The sculpture ‘Generosity of Spirit’ will be officially unveiled by Wendy Hollick (Riddoch Ward Citizen of the Year 2023) on May 21 at 1pm in the Penola Town Square.

Liz Rymill will emcee the event, with speakers Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr, Gerry McMahon, Evelynne Bowden and Margaret Muller.