Community Workshop

Gerry McMahon: Community & School Sculpture Workshops

"I specialise in facilitating collaborative sculpture projects for schools and community groups across South Australia. My workshops focus on a 'start-to-creation' process, where I guide participants from the first spark of an idea to the final creation of a permanent public art outcome.

I believe that the more 'fingerprints' there are on a project, the more ownership and pride the community feels. My role is to give a voice to everyone involved—ensuring that students and residents aren't just observers, but active creators. By making their mark on a piece, participants gain a profound sense of fulfillment and a lasting connection to the work.

Drawing on my background as a sheet metal tradesman, I teach the technical and creative skills needed to build durable, large-scale works. These workshops are tailored to all ages and abilities, transforming a shared vision into a high-quality, integrated sculpture that stands as a source of local pride for generations."

Amata Anangu School community sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative Pitjantjatjara artwork featuring three Corten steel walls. Designs include emu footprints, the Wanampi serpent, and honey ants (Tjala). Located in Amata, APY Lands, near Uluru. Indigenous Australian educational art project.

The Three Walls | Amata Anangu School A Collaborative Community Project in the APY Lands

"Set against the majestic backdrop of the Musgrave Ranges, this project was a true partnership with the students and elders of the Amata Anangu School. Together, we designed a series of three Corten steel walls that serve as a gateway to the school, reflecting the deep cultural heritage of the Pitjantjatjara people.

Each wall tells a vital story of Country:

The First Wall: Depicts the local mountain ranges, etched with emu footprints and traditional grasses.
The Second Wall: Features the powerful form of the Serpent (Wanampi), a central figure in local Tjukurpa (Law).
The Third Wall: Celebrates the honey ant (Tjala), a prized delicacy and a symbol of joy within the community.

Fabricated on-site in the remote desert, the rusted patina of the Corten steel blends seamlessly with the vibrant red dirt of Central Australia. This installation is more than a sculpture; it is a functional armature of knowledge, ensuring that traditional stories are literally built into the foundations of the new school.

Barmera community workshop sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by Relationships Australia. Corten steel segmented fish and pelican designed with the local community. Riverland public art project.

"This work was designed and fabricated as part of a collaborative community workshop I led in Barmera for Relationships Australia. Inspired by the life of Lake Bonney, the Pelican and Segmented Fish (Spelt: S-e-g-m-e-n-t-e-d) were chosen by the group to represent the natural spirit of their home. It stands as a testament to what a community can build when they work together

Barmera Orange Sculpture by Gerry McMahon. Community-led design for Relationships Australia. Corten steel tribute to Riverland citrus history. Collaborative public art.

A product of the Barmera community workshop series, this piece honors the region’s agricultural identity. Participants identified the Orange as a vital symbol of their shared history. Together, we designed and fabricated this Corten steel tribute, featuring a falling segment to represent the enduring legacy of the local citrus industry and the iconic Berri brand

Sail and waves.

Designed alongside Barmera residents during our Relationships Australia workshops, this sculpture celebrates the town's connection to the water. Fabricated from 316 Stainless Steel, the group wanted to capture the movement of a Sail and waves. It was a highlight of the workshop to see the community's vision for their lake take shape in such a permanent, shining form.

Polly

Sturt Desert Pea sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon and Rachel Young. Commissioned by Carclew, BHP, and Roxby Downs Council. Three stylized desert peas in Corten steel and copper. Symbols for Community, Environment, and Industry. 20th Anniversary public art in Richardson Place, South Australia

The Sturt Desert Pea | Roxby Downs 20th Anniversary Commissioned by BHP, Carclew Youth Arts & The Roxby Downs Council Gerry McMahon and Rachel Young

"Standing as a dynamic landmark on Richardson Place, this installation was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Roxby Downs township. The work features three stylized Sturt Desert Peas—an iconic flower that thrives in the surrounding arid landscape.

Fabricated from a combination of weathered steel and copper, each of the three blossoms represents a fundamental pillar of the region:

Community: The heart of the town and its people.
Environment: The unique and resilient desert landscape.
Industry: A nod to the copper mining heritage that sustains the area.

I led this massive collaborative project alongside my mentee, Rachel Young, involving over 400 local students. By using copper alongside the rusted steel, we created a material link to the ground beneath our feet, ensuring the sculpture is a true reflection of the town’s identity and its future.

The Joy of Youth | Woodcroft College Community Project Designed and Fabricated in Collaboration with Woodcroft Students

"This sculpture is the physical result of an immersive community workshop I led at Woodcroft College. It was essential that the students themselves drove the narrative of the piece. Together, we designed a galvanized steel tree that serves as a metaphor for their personal and academic growth.

The students’ voices are literally built into the work; the branches are stylized as 'roads' to the future, each etched with student-chosen words of affirmation and positivity. While the roots wrap firmly around a concrete base—symbolizing the stable foundation the school provides—the branches reach out in to represent the diverse pathways to knowledge and fulfillment. This project celebrates the collective creativity of the Woodcroft youth and their journey toward the future.

Marymount College poppy sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative parent workshop art. 1.6-meter tall Corten steel sculpture. Two intertwined poppies in an embrace. Features laser-cut scripture 'Love one another' (John 13:34). South Australian school public art.

Poppy Sculpture, Marymount College Parent Project A Collaborative Workshop with the Marymount Community

"Standing 1.6 meters high, this Corten steel installation is a unique expression of the faith that underpins the Marymount community. Developed through a hands-on workshop with the parents of students, the work features two stylized poppies that wrap around one another in an embracing fashion.

Centered within the forms is the laser-cut message: 'Love one another.' This command, from John 13:34, serves as the heart of the sculpture. By involving the parents in the design and concept, the piece stands as a permanent symbol of the support and affection the school family has for one another, rendered in the warm, earthy tones of weathered steel.

The Leaf Sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Bright green painted steel figurative sculpture of a leaf person reading a book. Commissioned for Prospect Primary School. Features school motto: 'Respect, Success, Creativity'. Collaborative mosaic seating area with a central world map dome. Focus on inclusiveness and the buddy system.

"This vibrant, bright green sculpture was created as a gift to Prospect Primary School during a unique window in time when all three of my daughters were students there. Designed to be the heart of a communal gathering space, the sculpture depicts a 'Leaf Person' immersed in a book, which proudly displays the school values: Respect, Success, and Creativity.

The artwork serves as the centerpiece for an inclusive 'Buddy System' seating area. Surrounding the figure are several concrete columns used as seats, which have been beautifully mosaicked through the school’s graduation program. At the very center lies a dome featuring a map of the world, symbolizing global unity and the school's commitment to inclusiveness. This project was a wonderful opportunity to give back to the school community, providing a space where every student has a place to sit, connect, and belong—a project made extra special because my daughters Edie, Polly, and Matilda were all attending the school together at the time.

Our Journey sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon and Morag Cook. Woodville South community boat sculpture on Riley Street. Commissioned by Community Arts Network SA (CAN SA). Multicultural public art featuring hand-punched copper and river stones. South Australian community project

Our Journey | Woodville South Community Project In Collaboration with CAN SA & United Community

"Located at the United Community centre on Riley Street, 'Our Journey' is a powerful tribute to the multicultural fabric of Woodville South. This stylized boat sculpture represents the physical and emotional voyages of those who have traveled from across the globe to call Australia home.

The work is deeply interactive; the sides of the boat feature copper sections where community members hand-punched letters and words relating to their personal life journeys. Beneath the hull, a ripple effect is created using river stones of varying colors, each representing a distinct cultural element. A butterfly is positioned on the work, symbolizing the release and freedom found in a new home.

I facilitated this project as the lead artist and Morag Cook, working closely with the community to ensure their stories were at the heart of the design. Special thanks to Helen Bock, who project managed the commission for the Community Arts Network SA, helping us connect people from all different countries through this shared creative voyage."

Every Drop sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by Country Arts SA with support from Ruston’s Roses. Renmark community art workshop project. Stylized water drop and rose petal sculpture in steel and stainless steel. South Australian regional public art focusing on water conservation.

Every Drop | Renmark Community Project Commissioned by Country Arts SA with support from Ruston’s Roses

"Created during a time of significant water shortage, 'Every Drop' is a reflection on the precious nature of the River Murray and its role in sustaining life in the Riverland. This community workshop project, facilitated for Country Arts SA, was developed in the heart of Renmark with the generous support of Ruston’s Roses.

The sculpture features a stylized water drop that transitions into a splash—or perhaps rose petals—at its base, blending the imagery of irrigation with the flora that defines the region. Fabricated from a combination of steel and stainless steel, the work serves as a permanent reminder of the community’s resilience and the vital importance of every drop of water to the prosperity of the South Australian landscape.

Handflag sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative workshop with students from Kaurna Plains School, Elizabeth. Commissioned through the ArtSmart program. Metal sculpture based on student-led designs and cultural identity. South Australian Aboriginal education public art.

Handflag | Kaurna Plains School An ArtSmart Collaborative Commission

"Located at Kaurna Plains School in Elizabeth, 'Handflag' is a sculpture born directly from the creativity and vision of the students. Facilitated through the ArtSmart program, this project began with a series of workshops where the students explored their identity and connection to country through drawing and design.

The final sculpture, 'Handflag,' was driven by the motifs and ideas developed by the kids during those sessions. It stands as a proud symbol of the next generation of Kaurna leaders, taking their original two-dimensional artworks and transforming them into a lasting three-dimensional landmark. This piece celebrates the strength of Aboriginal youth and the importance of providing a platform where their stories can be told and seen by the wider community."

Modbury High School art building sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative student art development program. Contemporary metal sculpture featuring the word 'ART' with a piercing metal element. Gabion-style mesh sections containing glass bricks and copper. South Australian school public art.

The Art Beacon | Modbury High School A Collaborative Student Development Project

"Standing proudly at the entrance of the school's art building, this sculpture is the result of a creative partnership with the students of Modbury High. Developed as part of their art development program, the design was driven by the students' own conceptual ideas and their desire to define the identity of their creative space.

The sculpture features the word 'ART' prominently, with a bold, piercing piece of metal cutting through the form to represent the breakthrough nature of creativity. Taking inspiration from gabion-style architecture, the interior of the sculpture is visible through a protective mesh, revealing a rich collection of textures: glass bricks that capture the light and copper elements that will weather over time. This 'textured wall' approach allows the students to see the raw materials of their craft reflected back at them, serving as a permanent inspiration at the threshold of their studio."

Perry Barr Farm community sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. First major community art project for the City of Marion. Located at Perry Barr Farm, South Australia. Stylized figurative sculpture of a 1920s pioneer woman in a bonnet and apron with pig-shaped seats. Part of an intergenerational project. South Australian heritage public art

Dress and Pig Seats

The Pioneer | Perry Barr Farm A City of Marion Community Project

"This installation at Perry Barr Farm holds a significant place in my portfolio as my first public community art commission. Created for the City of Marion as part of an initiative to bridge the gap between different generations, the work serves as a homage to the region's farming heritage.

The sculpture features a stylized figure representing a woman from the 1920s, defined by her bonnet, apron, and dress. Rather than a literal statue, the piece captures the essence of the farm's history through the silhouette of the clothing itself. Accompanying the figure are pig-shaped seats, a nod to the livestock that were once a central part of life at Perry Barr Farm. It creates a space for reflection, allowing visitors to sit and look out over the landscape while connecting with the agricultural spirit of the past."

Lollipop Faces by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Brightly painted steel sculptures for Davoren Park Kindergarten. Collaborative workshop using student paper models. Durable, colorful public art commissioned through ArtSmart. Double-sided metal faces.

Lollipop Faces | Davoren Park Kindergarten An ArtSmart Collaborative Project

"The 'Lollipop Faces' collection was born from a desire to involve kindergarten children in a design process that was both safe and limitless for their imaginations. Using a 'Potato Head' style approach, the children constructed their own unique characters using cardboard and paper shapes—experimenting with eyes, noses, and hair to create the most quirky faces they could imagine.

I took these original paper models and translated them into permanent, heavy-duty steel sculptures. To match the energy of the kindergarten, each piece was finished in bright, bold colors. These double-sided sculptures are installed throughout the grounds, featuring different expressions on each side. Facilitated through the ArtSmart program, this project turned the children's fleeting paper creations into a vibrant, enduring part of their school’s identity.

Large snake sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative project with students at Christies Beach High School. Stainless steel and copper serpent winding around a central pole. Modern metal public art in South Australia.

The Serpent | Christies Beach High School A Collaborative Student Fabrication Project

"This large-scale sculpture at Christies Beach High School features a serpent winding its way upwards around a central pole. Developed and fabricated in close collaboration with the students, the project provided a hands-on opportunity for them to engage with professional metalwork and large-scale design.

The piece is constructed from a combination of stainless steel and copper.

Nature trail public art series by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon in collaboration with Lisa Mortimore. Community sculpture project for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College (Flinders Park Campus). Features galvanized steel flowers, bees, ladybirds, and spiders. Commissioned to encourage student walking and active travel. South Australian school community artwork.

The Nature Trail | Flinders Park & Nazareth High School

Encouraging Active Travel through Community Art

"This series of works transforms the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery, designed in collaboration with students from Flinders Park Primary and Nazareth Catholic College. The trail begins with a striking galvanized steel flower, leading the way into a micro-world of insects and flora.

Each piece—from the bees and ladybirds to the spiders—was designed by the students to make the walk to school an adventure. I would like to extend a special thanks to Lisa Mortimore for her vital role in bringing this whimsical world to life. These sculptures serve as permanent landmarks that celebrate student creativity while encouraging a healthy, active community."

Rusted steel flower sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Part of the nature trail series for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College. Collaborative workshop project with Lisa Mortimore. South Australian public art and school walking trail commission."

Nature Trail Series | Rusted Steel Flower Flinders Park & Nazareth School Workshop

"Continuing the nature trail, this piece explores the warm, earthy tones of rusted steel. Designed through the same collaborative workshops with the students and Lisa Mortimore, this flower complements the galvanized elements of the trail, adding variety and texture to the journey. It stands as another creative marker encouraging students to explore their local environment on foot."

Rusted steel and copper flower sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative nature trail series for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College. Workshop project with Lisa Mortimore. South Australian public art featuring mixed metal fabrication.

Nature Trail | Rusted Steel & Copper Flower "A variation in the series, this piece introduces copper detailing against a rusted steel base. Part of the student-led workshop trail for the Flinders Park and Nazareth communities."

"Triple flower sculpture installation in rusted steel and copper by Gerry McMahon. Located at the entrance of Nazareth Catholic College, Flinders Park. Part of a collaborative school art development program. South Australian regional public art landmark.

Nazareth Entrance | Triple Flower Installation "This trio of sculptures stands at the front of Nazareth School. Utilizing rusted steel and copper, these pieces mark the culmination of the nature trail and celebrate the creative partnership between the schools and the community

Spider wall sculpture installation by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Part of the nature trail for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College. Features rusted steel spiders with black painted contrast backing. Collaborative student workshop project. South Australian school wall art and public sculpture.

The Spider Path | Flinders Park Wall "A series of spiders creating a journey along the school wall. These pieces feature a striking contrast between rusted steel and a deep black backing, bringing a sense of movement and life to the building's exterior. Part of the collaborative nature trail developed with the Flinders Park and Nazareth students

Ladybird wall sculptures by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Nature trail series for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College. Collaboration with Lisa Mortimore. Rusted steel and black painted metal. South Australian school public art.

Nature Trail | Ladybird Wall Installation "These ladybirds are installed along the school walls as part of the nature trail series. The pieces are constructed from rusted steel with a black painted base for contrast. This project was developed through workshops with students from Flinders Park Primary and Nazareth Catholic College, in collaboration with Lisa Mortimore.

Large metal flower sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative project for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College with Lisa Mortimore. Features a large rusted steel flower leaning over a fence toward two smaller flowers. Painted green stems and rusted steel petals. South Australian public art commission.

The Fence Flowers | Flinders Park & Nazareth School "This installation consists of three flowers that interact with the school's boundary fence. A larger flower with a green painted stem and rusted steel petals leans over from one side of the fence, reaching down toward two smaller flowers on the other side.

The arrangement of the pieces represents a connection between the larger and smaller forms, suggesting a sense of guidance or nurturing between an adult figure and a child. This work was developed through workshops with the students of Flinders Park and Nazareth, in collaboration with Lisa Mortimore.

Large metal bee sculptures by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Collaborative nature trail project for Flinders Park Primary School and Nazareth Catholic College with Lisa Mortimore. Features rusted steel bees on an old log and connected to metal flowers. South Australian public art focused on local environment and nature.

The Bee Connection | Flinders Park & Nazareth School "This part of the trail features three large bees constructed from rusted steel. One bee is positioned on an old log, while the other two are connected to a nearby flower sculpture.

The installation highlights the role of bees in a healthy environment and their connection to local plant life. Developed through student workshops in collaboration with Lisa Mortimore, these pieces use the natural landscape of the school grounds to complete the scene.

Aspiration Tree wall sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Features a galvanized steel tree with copper leaves. Individual words and aspirations punched into the metal. Installed at Flinders Park Primary School / Nazareth Catholic College. South Australian public art commission focused on student

Aspiration Tree "The Aspiration Tree is a wall-mounted sculpture constructed from galvanized steel and copper. Unlike the workshop-led sculptures in the nature trail, this piece was designed as a central landmark to hold the collective goals of the student body.

Each copper leaf features words and aspirations provided by the students, which were individually punched into the metal. The tree serves as a permanent archive of student voices, integrated directly onto the school wall to symbolize growth and future potential.

Love Train echidna sculptures by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon. Commissioned by the Light Regional Council for the Barossa Valley shared pathway. Series of seven rusted steel echidnas on a former railway line trail. Developed via community workshops with support from Alexandra Devitt-Lansom. South Australian public art and heritage trail.

Love Train | Barossa Valley Commissioned by the Light Regional Council

Spanning a seven-kilometer shared pathway, Love Train is a series of rusted steel sculptures that pays homage to the site’s history as a former railway line. The title is a play on words: a 'love train' is the term for a line of echidnas following one another, mirroring the way walkers and cyclists now use the converted trail.

Developed through community workshops, each of the seven echidnas marks a one-kilometer interval along the path. These figures serve as functional distance markers while connecting the modern community trail to its industrial heritage. This project was a collaborative effort supported by the Light Regional Council to enhance the Barossa region's public spaces.

Rain Garden community sculpture by Adelaide artist Gerry McMahon in collaboration with Megan Coupland. Commissioned by the City of West Torrens. Features a stylized metal cloud and rain over vertical pipes showing layers of sand filtration (black, brown, and cream). Public art explaining water conservation and wastewater filtration near a South Australian school.

The Rain Garden | West Torrens Community Project In collaboration with Megan Coupland

"This stylized sculpture was developed through community workshops to illustrate the vital role of rain gardens in our urban environment. The piece features a metal cloud 'showering' rain down onto a series of pipes, which represent the layers of a natural filtration system.

Each level of the sculpture mirrors the cleaning process: the base layer is black to symbolize street-level pollution, transitioning into brown as the water filters through, and finally reaching a cream-colored layer representing purified water. Green metal plants grow from the top, demonstrating how filtered water supports life. This educational installation was created in partnership with the City of West Torrens and Megan Coupland to highlight sustainable water management near the local school community."

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