South Australian artist and designer Frida Las Vegas, aka Stavroula Adameitis, has taken up residency at The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre until Monday 13 April 2026, ahead of her upcoming summer exhibition Coast with The Most.
Known for her bold, maximalist graphic artwork and textiles, Frida Las Vegas celebrates colour, kitsch and Australiana through a contemporary lens. Her residency will inform the development of Coast with The Most, which launches at The Riddoch on 21 November 2026.
Drawing on research undertaken during her time in the Limestone Coast, alongside childhood memories of family holidays in the region, Coast with The Most reimagines nostalgia in a contemporary and interactive exhibition. The exhibition will spotlight local legends and celebrate the icons that define the Limestone Coast community, with humour and heart for visitors of all ages.
"I'm thrilled to experience all the iconic sights, sounds, people and places of the gorgeous Limestone Coast. I'm already blown away (no pun intended) by the eruption of creativity from the local community, which makes the region such a treasure trove of delights to explore in my upcoming installation Coast with The Most at The Riddoch in November," Stavroula Adameitis said.
During her residency, Stavroula will explore both the natural landmarks that attract visitors to the region and the people and places that give the Limestone Coast its distinctive character. Her visit will include iconic locations such as the Blue Lake/Warwar, Little Blue Lake, Mount Schank, Potters Point, the Robe Obelisk, Larry the Lobster in Kingston SE, Tantanoola Caves, Umpherston Sinkhole/Balumbul, Cave Garden/Thugi and Engelbrecht Cave.
Food culture, a recurring feature in Stavroula's work, will also play an important role in her research. While in the region she will visit Port MacDonnell for fish and chips and a lobster roll, sample a Moloney's blue lemonade, enjoy a scroll from Scroll Queen in Mount Gambier, and visit much-loved local institutions including the OK Pie Shop and The Golden Chopsticks.
With a strong interest in Australiana and 1960s to early 2000s culture, Stavroula will also visit the Mount Gambier Library History Room, Millicent Museum and local history groups. Her residency will include opportunities to connect with residents and recognise the contributions of community groups, including morning tea with the Pleasant Park Ladies, volunteers at the Women's Work Depot, and a visit to the Mount Gambier Theatre Group at Wehl Street Theatre.
"We are excited and proud to host Frida Las Vegas, aka Stavroula Adameitis, as our Artist in Residence this week. Stavroula is an iconic Australian artist, who celebrates hyper-local heroes and Australiana with flair and humour. Stavroula will spend time learning about the special icons and places in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast during her visit, which be infused with her signature colourful and graphic style in Coast with The Most later this year," Director of The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre and Cultural Development Ashleigh Whatling said.
Community members are also invited to connect with Stavroula through a Wish You Were Here iconic tea towel design workshop being held during her residency. The workshop will take place on Saturday 11 April 2026 as part of The Riddoch's Youth Week program, with participants guided through collage, illustration and hand lettering to create a vibrant A3 paper-based 'tea towel' design inspired by vintage Australiana and kitschy tourist merchandise. Bookings can be made at www.theriddoch.com.au
The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre is open 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday and 10:00am to 2:00pm weekends and public holidays. Entry is free.
