After four years of sculptural drought, Sculpture in the Valley is back! On two weekends in September over 100 sculptures from some of Australia’s most eminent sculptors will be sited in the beautiful garden of Wilburra Estate looking out over Kangaroo Valley.
Sculpture has become one of the artistic phenomena of our age. Sculpture by the Sea has been joined by several other sculpture shows in Sydney alone, and sculpture exhibitions abound in many countries. Sculpture in the Valley has been held every two years since 2007 and staged in a series of Kangaroo Valley private gardens since then. Covid undid 2021’s event, and the deferred event was then rained out of existence as our roads dissolved in 2022. Now we are back, hoping to exceed our past achievements and offer a garden of sculptural delights for all! All works are for sale.
What is so good about this event is that it can be a whole family experience. Because the works are so varied and, in some cases, quite whimsical, and displayed out in the open, it allows a far more diverse experience than a traditional art gallery visit. Some of the artists will be there to explain their works, and the Curator, David Ball, will provide tours of the exhibits. Art is always more fascinating when you know what the pieces are about and how they are made. There’s also a chance for a visitor to win $500 – just take an interesting photo of a sculpture and be in the running for the prize. An indoor gallery will display the smaller and more delicate works.
The location, Wilburra Estate, in the dress circle of the valley, has been generously lent to us by Andrew McKindlay and Susan Teasey who planned this lovely garden. It has elevation, so that the view is a great backdrop for sculptures. Visitors will be guided from a car parking area off Smarts Road (off Grahams Road). You will see the flags and signs on Moss Vale Road once the event is on.
Into this garden we will bring around 120 sculptures sited by curator David Ball, himself a past first prize winner both at Sculpture in the Valley and Sculpture by the Sea. Occasional music and coffee and light refreshments will also be available.
Sculpture in the Valley has become a fixture in the volunteer calendar of the valley. It depends entirely on volunteers to make it work. Much of the feedback we receive each year credits the volunteers with having made the experience so special. This year will be no different and some 80 or so volunteers are preparing for the event with the help of Stuart McCreery, Sculpture Director. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Natalie on info@artsinthevalley.net.au.
Sculptures are open to everyone’s interpretation. You will find some to amuse, some to intrigue, and others maybe to mystify you. Every step you take will change your view, that is one of the features of this art-form. Come and see Sculpture in the Valley from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday 9/10 September and again the following weekend 16/17 September, closing at 2pm on that Sunday. Wear stout shoes – it is a garden!
Details at: artsinthevalley.net.au/sculpture
Entry is $10, children free.
Howard Sacre