Emma Stenhouse is a Ngarrindjeri women, her family are from the Coorong, and the lower lakes of the Murray River in South Australia. A descendent of the Pinkie family, who actually raised their family inside a hollow gum tree beside Poocher swamp. Growing up in the red dirt of Outback NSW many trips were also made to the Murray River for fishing and fun throughout her childhood.

Emma is a multidisciplinary artist, her practice spans across painting, weaving, sewing and is often based on traditional practices and steeped in storytelling. As we explore the beautiful bends of the Murray Emma will invite you to bend and blend into the landscape, to take in the beauty of Country.

Our journey will see us weave through a section of the river and at the end of each day we will sit and weave our own story together through the coil weave - the weave of the Ngarrindjeri Women.

As my elders often say - everything is connected, and this will resonate as you quietly sit together at dusk yarning about the day’s immersion on land and water, perhaps collecting a feather or a leaf that has caught your eye, to weave into your piece. Creating your own story of the Murray River as you have been present in it - as this time has allowed for stillness and connection - to land and each other and of course the river.

I am thrilled to be able to spend this time on Country, to take it all in, with slow and steady breaths, slow and steady movements and time to reflect on the life giving of our mighty Murray River. Seeing the roots as they spread along the banks and into the water, reminding me that my roots are also connected to this place. Learning and quietly listening. Remembering how to be still, to see where we belong and feel the strength of Dhungala.

Supported Place

We understand that life is tough for some at the moment and want to ensure that the trip is accessible for a wide range of participants. There is a fund to support those affected by cost of living pressures that would otherwise miss out. We have a small amount of fully and partially funded places.

Application for Supported Place

If you are financially going well, contributions to the fund can be made.

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Artist in Residence

Emma Stenhouse is a proud Ngarrindjeri woman and a contemporary indigenous artist on a journey of self-discovery, deepening her connection with her family, exploring her heritage, and inspired by her love of Country. Emma encapsulates her knowledge in her storyworks formed by her deep relationship to land and guided by strong female role models in her community.

Growing up in Broken Hill, Outback New South Wales, Emma intrinsically draws on her connection to the arid lands of the bush. This is often evident in her use of colours inspired by the red dirt, and the simple concepts of nurturing nature and to continue its growth and sustainability. She now resides by the beach and explores the shades of green & blue reflected in the region. The lush green fields, hills and the blues of the many waterways and the Southern Ocean.

Emma is an Educator and is passionate about sharing her experience and culture through her art practice within her classrooms and in workshops. As a multifaceted creative, she explores diverse art practices influenced by her journey. Each art piece is braided with learning, an enriching exchange between artist and viewer, a continuation of culture - a platform for cross cultural exchange.