Sculptures in the Garden is regional New South Wales largest annual outdoor art exhibition. Since 2011, the exhibition has offered artists a platform to exhibit their works alongside respected peers from across Australia, while also being in the running for a number of acquisition and non-acquisition prizes.
The winning artworks of past Sculptures in the Garden exhibitions can be found nestled along the banks of the Cudgegong River in Mudgee. Like treasures to be found, 29 works have been placed along the Lawson Park Sculpture Walk to be admired by passers-by.
Beloved by locals and a drawcard for visitors, the creation and continued development of the sculpture garden walk is one of the main reasons why the SIG exhibition has continued to take place, now in its 13th year.
I Beam by Ben Tooth, winner of the 2019 MOOLARBEN Acquisition prize
The sculpture walk came to be after Sculptures in the Garden founder, Kay Norton-Knight, along with the exhibition committee, proposed the idea to the Mid-Western Regional Council (MWRC) who deemed it a worthy and important asset for the local community.
In 2013, Sculptures in the Garden and MWRC funded a $15,000 acquisition prize to purchase an artwork from the exhibition. The following year, Moolarben came on board and donated $5,000 for another acquisition prize and has continued donating this prize for the past five years.
In 2015, the SIG committee initiated “Friends of Sculptures in the Garden” with the goal of raising funds to offer another acquisition prize for contributing artists. In 2016 ‘Friends of SIG’ raised enough money for a $5,000 acquisition prize and in 2017 enough money for a $10,000 prize.
Each of these prizes enable a growing collection of works to be acquired for the sculpture walk which has proven itself to be such a worthwhile asset for the community that similar sculpture walks are in early stages of development in Gulgong and Rylstone.
Prize money has always been a big draw card for artists, but for their works to be acquired by the Council and displayed in the public realm is a very attractive and a more permanent celebration of their work. The permanent art display that is the sculpture walk provides this celebration, as well as the opportunity to all members of the public to experience the inspiration generated by SIG. It is for those reasons that the Lawson Park Sculpture Garden Walk is the true legacy of the annual exhibition
As the event enters its 13th consecutive year, the growth of the annual exhibition continues to exceed the expectations of the organising committee in terms of quality of works submitted, number of entries by artists, and visitor numbers. SIG has remained a 'must attend' for many, leading to an ever increasing, loyal following from all corners of the nation that travel to the Mudgee region each October.
Taking The Plunge by Stephen Irwin, winner of the 2016 MWRC / SIG Acquisition prize
The annual exhibition is held in the grounds of Rosby Wines from the 7th to the 22nd of October, every day from 10am-4pm. Where a winding country road will lead you to a beautiful outdoor setting framed by vineyards, stunning gardens and the Australian bush. With over 300 sculptures dotted throughout the landscape, the best way to find them is with good company and a wine in hand.
If you’re planning to visit the Mudgee region this year, book your visit to coincide with Sculptures in the Garden. Not only is SIG not to be missed, but October is a perfect time to visit Mudgee. The weather is warm, vineyards are bursting with new life and there are plenty of special events taking place around the region, like hot air ballooning, the Mudgee Farmers Markets and the annual Gardens of Mudgee showcase. There are a myriad of reasons why Mudgee was named Australia’s Top Tourism Town in 2021 & 2022: there’s something for everyone. Though you’d be wise to get in quick to book accommodation. It’s a popular time of year!
Tickets will go on sale in July – sign up to our newsletter for updates via our website. Visit www.sculpturesinthegarden.com.au for details.
