Scupltures in the Garden 2024 Launches Next Week

It’s time to pile everyone into the car and make your way to Mudgee because regional Australia’s much-anticipated premier outdoor art event, Sculptures in the Garden (SIG), is ready to kick off this weekend.

An array of special guests with an exciting program of events will set the scene for a magical exhibition and provide an opening night to remember.

This Friday, October 11 artists, ‘Friends of Sculptures in the Garden’ and special guests will be treated to an unforgettable night of art, music and celebration at Rosby Vineyard on the eve of the public opening during an opening night dinner.

Attendees will be invited to exclusively preview the exhibition, set among the breathtaking gardens at Rosby Vineyard, before it opens to the public on Saturday, October 12.
Opening night attendees will also be given the opportunity to purchase sculptures before the event opens to the general public the following day. Proceeds from the evening’s donations will go directly towards the Friends of SIG acquisition prize, which is worth $10,000 for the winning artist. The winning artwork will be added to the Mid-Western Regional Council Public Art Collection and showcased in the captivating outdoor Sculpture Walk at Lawson Park in Mudgee.

The next day, David Handley AM, the visionary behind the iconic Sculptures by the Sea, will officially open the event and announce this year’s acquisition prizes.
With determination and a mere $400 marketing budget in its inaugural year, David transformed Sculptures by the Sea into the world’s largest and much-loved annual sculpture exhibition, drawing more than 450,000 visitors to the stunning Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk.

David’s remarkable success story, coupled with his commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility, promises an enlightening addition to the memorable opening ceremony.

This year’s exhibition selection committee includes Mr Handley, along with renowned architect and contemporary painter Susan Rothwell AM, journalist and artist Sam Paine and local Mudgee architect Cameron Anderson.


The exhibition will showcase 250 sculptures and outdoor artworks from 130 local, interstate and international artists — the biggest display in the event’s history.

“Opening night really sets the scene for the exhibition, and what a fantastic opening night we’ll have this year,” Kay Norton-Knight, founder and curator of Sculptures in the Garden, said.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming some big names to Rosby Vineyard this year, both on opening night and across the exhibition.”

The delights are not just reserved for opening night. The public is promised to be treated to a variety of other highlights across the two weeks of the event, including special guest and esteemed journalist Annabelle Hickson, who will be in attendance to celebrate her latest book Galah: Stories of Life Outside the City.

Galah is a stunning visual and written anthology, celebrating life in regional Australia. Across six themed chapters, Hickson shares a different perspective on life in regional Australia, featuring stories from the coast to the farms, the bush to the towns, and the rainforest to the outback.

Hickson brings together the best work from more than 50 leading writers, photographers and artists from her award-winning magazine of the same name, celebrating not only incredible landscapes and remarkable, beautiful places but also the diversity, resourcefulness and creativity of the people that call the country home.

Annabelle will participate in a discussion hosted by Mudgee local and General Manager of Destination Country and Outback NSW Lucy White on Saturday, October 19 at 11 am. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase signed copies of the book from the author herself.
“Just like Sculptures in the Garden, Galah is all about celebrating life beyond the city,” Hickson said.

“Artists are a proxy for how open and innovative regional communities are, so we all benefit from having strong arts scenes in the regions.
“Rosby’s Sculptures in the Garden is the ultimate case study of bringing together talent, creativity and community in one place.”
As always, the exhibition will host free live artist demonstrations from some of the Sculptures in the Garden’s long-standing exhibitors.

Australian sculptors Ian Marr, Gavin Roberts and Chris Anderson will share insights into their profession, demonstrate their techniques, answer questions, and invite guests to participate in sculpture creation. A different sculptor will present their craft each weekend of the exhibition, with participation included in the price of entry.

There’s sure to be something to entertain the little ones, with a children’s sculpture exhibition on site providing an opportunity for local kids to get involved in the creative fun. The theme for 2024 is “Proud to Belong” where children will be encouraged to describe who/what/where makes them feel connected and proud.

Guests will also be treated to artist walks with special guest Sam Paine. From 11 am to 2 pm each Saturday and Sunday, Sam will delight guests with the history and inspiration of the many sculptures on display around the property. Sam will offer two walks a day, ensuring there’s ample opportunity for everyone to join in.

For any guests who miss out, or would like additional first-hand information, event founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight will conduct guided tours every day on request.

Guests who need a refreshment after all the activities can purchase Rosby’s much-loved premium wines from the Rosby Wine Bar, including their new release 2024 vintage wines. The Mudgee Corner store pop-up will also serve barista-made coffee and delicious morning and afternoon tea and lunch options.

Sydney sculptor Adam Rish has been exhibiting at Sculptures in the Garden for five years, a testament to the quality and prestige of the exhibition and the hard work of the Mudgee community who all get involved to help make the event a success.

“We would like to thank the whole family for hosting. It’s been five years now and I’m very happy to keep coming back every year,” he said.

Artists’ works will be available for purchase for both private and public collections.
Sculptures in the Garden 2024 will take place from October 12-27. It promises to be an exciting and rewarding few weeks filled with artistic exploration, inspiration and community spirit, with more than 4,000 people expected to visit this year’s event.

Sculptures in the Garden 2024 will take place from October 12-27. It promises to be an exciting and rewarding few weeks filled with artistic exploration, inspiration and community spirit, with more than 4,000 people expected to visit this year’s event.

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