There are some incredibly gifted artists living and working on Yorke Peninsula, and their works are just as likely to be found displayed in the local hotel as a fancy gallery. You will also find galleries tucked away in homesteads and shops as you drive around the Peninsula. Keep an eye out for signs on the road, and you'll find many fabulous works by local people.
The award winning Yorke Peninsula Art Exhibition is held in Ardrossan every two years over the Easter period. Yorke Peninsula Council is the major sponsor of the event, which is also supported by Ardrossan Progress Association and many other local and metropolitan sponsors. Prizes are awarded in various competition categories including Open, Yorke Peninsula District Artist, Yorke Peninsula Schools and People's Choice. Entry for visitors to the event is free, with art catalogues available at a small charge. This is definitely something to add to your 'to do' list!
Visit Alpacas Chaparral where the captivating alpaca meets the impressive artworks of talented local artist, Mark Short – look for the sign on the roadside, approximately seven kilometres north of Minlaton on the Spencer Highway.
Bakehouse Arts and Crafts at Edithburgh has a wide range of locally made art, craft and produce. Found in the grounds of the local museum, the Bakehouse is open seven days per week from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm, and is staffed by volunteers.
Gum Flat Gallery, in the Main Street of Minlaton, is home to a small group of local artists. The entrance is located toward the far end of the walkway along the southern side of the building, and the gallery is open 10.00 am to 2.00 pm on Wednesdays.
Harvest Corner Craft and Gallery, run by volunteers, features quality art, craft and produce, all made locally. The Gallery showcases talented local artists including Allyson and Marie Parsons. Take home delicious produce including homemade biscuits, jams, sauces and pickles, and olive oil.
The Old Court House in Yorketown has a fabulous collection of old local photos, copies of most are available for sale. The gallery is open on Fridays between 10.00 am and noon.
Point Turton Ceramic Art is small gallery specialising in unique and unusual ceramic art crafted on premises by Dawn Wade, a gifted ceramic artist. There are delicate and original design articles for sale, as well as many prize winning examples of Dawn's art. Browsers are welcome, with the gallery open seven days.
The Corner Gallery, part of Maitland Markets, is where you'll find works by Robert JW Landt. Enjoy a market experience in the Heart of Maitland complex with homemade produce, art and craft and delicious morning and afternoon teas. The market is open Thursdays and Fridays - March to December 10.00 am until 4.00 pm, January and February 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.
Salt Lake Gallery in Yorketown is open from Monday to Friday and is known for distinct and unique arts, crafts and gifts, and includes handmade candles, jewellery, golliwogs, rag dolls, art, ceramics, furniture, cards, metal art, and so much more. It really is worth the visit!
Studio Surf, in beautiful Marion Bay, features works by owner/artist Jason Swales and other local South Australian artists. The artworks on display are all inspired by the ocean, coastal scenery and of course the surf. Stop by and enjoy a barista coffee in the small café, also serving delicious home baked goodies. The studio is open most weekends between 11am and 3pm, although the opening hours can depend on the surf conditions!
Ballara Art & Lifestyle Retreat, found in Warooka, is a century-old, beautifully restored homestead, working art school and local artist gallery which also operates as an artist’s retreat. When not hosting a retreat, the gallery, displaying a collection of local art and photography,is open to the public.
Baker Bros. Gallery, located in Warooka in the building known as The Top Shop, showcases more than half a dozen local artist's work from ceramics and glassware, driftwood sculptures, photography, oil and acrylic paintings, handmade furniture and lamps. The gallery is open Wednesdays (10.00 am to 3.00 pm), Fridays (11.00 am to 2.00 pm) and Saturdays (12 noon to 3.00 pm).