If you've spent any time in the Aldinga township / Old Coach Rd precinct in the past few years, you may have noticed some of the heart sculptures that are installed in different locations. What some people don't know is there are currently 6 heart sculptures that make up the 'Love Aldinga' art project along Old Coach Rd and Port Rd, with the most recent one being added in August this year.

ABOUT LOVE ALDINGA

Back in August 2017, the City of Onkaparinga conducted a survey that asked people how they felt when spending time in the Aldinga township. The top responses were HAPPY and RELAXING. The survey feedback was used in the artist brief which was shared with South Australian artists at the end of 2017 and 5 of the 6 hearts were installed in 2018.

(more information is available on the City of Onkaparinga website on this process - https://archive.onkaparingacity.com/onka/discover/arts_culture/public_art/aldinga_township.jsp)

THE PROJECT

Local business owners, Toff & Cara West (Home Grain Bakery) were both strong drivers and supporters of the 'Love Aldinga' project. They submitted their concept design to the council and were took on the role of Project Managers to coordinate and deliver this exciting public art project for the Aldinga community. They contracted mentors, Andrew Stock and Jason Balmer who provided expert advice and connections to local fabricators and installers for the project.

THE HEARTS

All the heart sculptures were designed to be permanent, fabricated of glass-reinforced concrete and one fabricated from mild steel.

THE ARTISTS

All the selected artists had to submit their final designs for approval and then they got started on creating their unique design.

The talented artists who were part of the Love Aldinga project are:

• Brian O’Malley
• Allan Sumner
• Rachel Cearns
• Anna Small
• Henry Jock Walker
• Claire Kennett

THE ART

LOCATED - in front of Home Grain Bakery
ARTIST - BRAIN O'MALLEY

Merged 2 hearts and painted a landscape of the local coastline

LOCATED - southern end of Old Coach Rd
ARTIST - RACHEL CEARNS

Ocean and water- vision from sitting on her surfboard looking down

LOCATED - in front of Miss Gladys On Sea
ARTIST - ALLAN SUMNER (contemporary Aboriginal artist)

Engraved aborignal symbols and patterns and then coloured them in bright contemporary colours

LOCATED - in front of the Aldinga Institute Hall
ARTIST - HENRY JOCK WALKER

created by interacting with people through a skateboarding day and an activation outside the Home Grain Bakery where anyone could add their splash of colour to the heart

LOCATED - in front of the Blacksmith Hub (Goodness Coffee)
ARTIST - ANNA SMALL (A Small Art Factory - metal artist)

LOCATED - in front of the Harcourts Winecoast (Port Rd)
ARTIST - CLAIRE KENNETT (mosaic artist)

LINKS TO OTHER PROJECT INFORMATION, VIDEOS and IMAGES

• Video of Toff West talking about the project: https://www.facebook.com/114127455587296/videos/968076484016305
• Video of Rachel Cearns creating her heart - The Advertiser : https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/love-aldinga-sculpture-video-supplied-by-rachel-cearns/video/dec2b56e98caf65c6902d79013f9f0c0
• Video of the metal heart created by Anna Small - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=285619165608445