Sculpture aplenty in March

One could think that 2014 is the unofficial year of sculpture in New Zealand. In January, New Plymouth hosted the Te Kupenga International Biennial Stone Sculpture Symposium, the Auckland Botanic Gardens continued to host their Sculpture in the Gardens three month event and last week the biennial Whangarei Sculpture Symposium 2014 closed, making summer extra special this year.

In Wellington's Dominion Post today, Glen Hayward's four large macrocarpa sculptures have been installed outside the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, thanks to the support of a $30,000 commission by the Wellington Sculpture Trust. 'Rita Angus Used to Grow Her Own Vegetables' contains pieces of broken crockery found by Glen whilst undertaking a residency at the Rita Angus cottage in 2012.

Autumn also promises to be busy with a range of sculpture events throughout the country in some of the most majestic settings, surrounded by spectacular views and native forests. What better way to get outdoors and have a picnic with family and friends whilst taking in the amazing range of sculptural talent on show.

 'White Horse' by Ben Foster, recently on show at the Auckland Botanic Gardens 

Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden - opening 1st March

Just 20kms from Christchurch city is the tranquil Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden whose mission is 'to support sculpture and enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury. Set in one hectare of native bush, over 5000 native plants have been planted since 2010 towards establishing a podocarp forest (including totara, matai, and kahikatea trees).




Against this backdrop, a sculpture garden is being established featuring permanent works and works for sale by five leading New Zealand sculptors:  Graham Bennett, Bing Dawe, Ben Foster, Doug Neil and Llew Summers. Opening Saturday 1st March from 11am until 3pm, and held over the following two weekends at the same times, entry is only $5 and includes a catalogue. A coffee van and water station will be on site and parking is provided at 199 Cossars Road.

Discovering Form Sculpture Trail at Fo Guang Shan - opening 1st March

Located at 16 Stancombe Road, Flat Bush Manukau, Fo Guang Shan Monastery will be hosting 17 New Zealand sculptors and artists including: Antoinette Ratcliffe, Bev Goodwin, Chris Moore, Frank Watson, Jim Wheeler, Robert Onnz, and more.

Opening at 10am on Saturday 1st March, the sculptures are located within the inner courtyard forming a sculptural trail. Visitors may also like to pop into the Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery which opened in 2006. 1st Gallery in New Zealand is situated in Fo Guang Shan North Island Temple (IBT New Zealand).


Harbourview Sculpture Trail - opening 8 March

The Harbourview Sculpture Trail showcases sculpture and outdoor art by over 50 established and emerging New Zealand sculpture artists at the Harbourview People’s Park, Te Atatu Peninsula. The second biennial event, the Harbourview Sculpture Trail features spectacular city and harbour views and opens Saturday 8 March for three weeks.

 

“The Harbourview Sculpture Trail stands apart as a unique trail as the sculptures chosen relate to this unique area and tell of the history and ecology. The pieces address social and political issues of Te Atatu and the wider Auckland area” says Sally Lush, Curator.

 

Just 15 minutes drive from Auckland city, and open daily from 10 - 6pm, there are a range of additional activities for kids, guided curator tours, art displays by local schools and on March 15th, a 'Peninsula Beats Pop-up Night.' Tickets available now.

 

 

'Auto Pilot' by woodturner, John Ecuyer.

Waiheke Small Sculpture Prize - opening 21 March

Offering a $3,000 National Award for 'an original free-standing or wall sculpture up to 450mm in any dimension', the Waiheke Small Sculpture Prize is a unique event in New Zealand. This year's selector is Monique Redmond from AUT University and the exhibition opens 21 March - 14 April at the Waiheke Community Art Gallery.

 

Craft Aotearoa spotted a preview of one of the entries by John Ecuyer (pictured left).  

  

Gibbs Farm - open by prior appointment

A reminder that Gibbs Farm is a private property that is open monthly by prior appointment only to artists, educational institutions, charities and the public. Bookings need to be made well in advance.