Inspired art in the country
Sculpture on the Farm Inc, formed in 2018, will hold its second exhibition at "Fosterton", located an easy 10-minute drive from Dungog, over the October long weekend this year.
The brainchild of Philippa Graham, a sculptor committed to excellence and elegance in her field, Sculpture on the Farm will be carefully curated with each piece individually placed off to highlight its particular qualities.
From many potential entrants, Philippa has not only selected works of artistic excellence and a variety of styles and materials, but also some with a sense of quirky fun. Smaller indoor sculptures will be displayed in the gallery, outdoor items in the garden and larger and monumental works in the adjoining paddocks.
The surrounding pastures with grazing cattle, and a backdrop of rolling hills provide a unique setting for this event. Visitors can wander at their leisure through the sculptures, which this year will number more than 110 items. Coffee and tea, lunches and refreshments will be on sale, with plenty of places to sit, relax, chat, and enjoy the sculptures and surrounding views.
The prizes this year include the acquisitive prize of $15,000. The winning entry will be gifted to the Dungog Shire Council for erection at a suitable location somewhere in Dungog Shire. Last year's winning entry, the interactive "Nothin' But Sky" by Braddon Snape has been erected on the hill overlooking Dungog, where visitors can look through the sculpture into the sky beyond.
- In additon to the major prize, there are a number of smaller prizes including
- Rupio Prize for Metallurgical Excellence $5,000
- People's Choice Award $500- Children's Choice Award $500
- The Local Artist Prize for a sculptor living in the Dungog Shire $500
- The Sculptors' Society Prize for an Indoor Sculpture $300
The exhibition will be launched with a gala opening on the afternoon of Friday, October 4 from 4pm.
Guests will have time before sunset to wander the sculptures, glass of champagne, or, for the blokes, beer in hand, before the judges announce the prize winners.
Local caterers have devised a delicious array of finger foods, so that no guest will leave hungry.
All sculptures are for sale and it is anticipated there may be keen competition for some of the pieces.
There is plenty of parking for those who choose to drive to Fosterton, or a bus from Dungog Town, which will leave every half hour from the Visitor Information Centre.
Anyone wishing to secure a ticket for the gala opening can do so by going to TryBooking.com or through the Sculpture on the Farm website www.sculptureonthefarm.com