Amazing Tree in South Africa

My husband, Rod, sent me this amazing picture. Look very carefully at the bark and you should see many beautifully carved animals.

SALA article - Bigger isn't always better

Did anyone read the August 23rd article by Margot Osborne in the Advertiser Review about SALA?  She is of the opinion that the SALA festival has become less valuable with the absence of a selection process, with the key question being: "Does this (increasingly large) size benefit the artists and audiences?  Or does it actually act as an impediment to making a connection between the best art and its potential public?"

I am interested in this viewpoint, especially as it seemed to be more from a city perspective.  Much of the art I saw in the Adelaide Hills was of very high quality and I am wondering whether anyone else shares my opinion.  Also, if there were to be a selection process, who would be the judge(s) and on what criteria?