Totem Poles Artwork Installed at Kensington Gardens Reserve

A Council grant is being used to install and paint totem poles in Kensington Gardens Reserve, near the Preschool, as part of the Kensington Gardens Reserve Project. The grant of $15,000 was provided to Marra Dreaming, as part of Council’s Community Public Art Fund.

Marra Dreaming is a cultural community centre located in Salisbury. It was established in 1999 by predominately Aboriginal women from various regions of Australia. It was initially set up to provide a space for Aboriginal people to develop their artwork and is now a thriving meeting place for community to experience and explore the Aboriginal culture.

Preschool Director Catherine Honeychurch says Council has kept staff and the children involved in the redevelopment of the Reserve. “We have had site visits and talks from elders about Indigenous culture. The children keep a journal of construction activities and work they see happening on the project,” Catherine says. “I am really pleased that Council has taken these steps.”

Marra Dreaming and Kaurna have worked together on designs for the totem poles that complement the area and the work is being undertaken by artist Raylene Snow and her children Thomas and Samantha.

Raylene says the paintings depict the story of the River Torrens and the animals, birds, berries and fruits that grow and live nearby. Each pole takes approximately two days to complete.

Marra Dreaming are also working closely with Kensington Gardens Preschool and their students throughout the works, including cultural activities such as traditional basket weaving that they are able to learn about and practice.

Students Ben, 5, Skye,4 and Nick, 5 with some of the totem poles and in the background a mural by artist Scott Rothman.

Indigenous artist Tom Snow paints one of the totem poles with his sister Samantha Egan in the background.