Kaipara Coast Sculpture Garden’s new exhibition for 2018 opened just before Christmas and celebrates 10 years of exhibiting sculpture from contemporary New Zealand and overseas sculptors.
A beautiful afternoon of wining, dining and listening to the jazz sounds of the Maria OFlaherty trio as they drifted over the gardens provided a magical atmosphere for the more than 100 guests to view the new selection of sculptures at the afternoon opening event.
Local Helensville artist Jeff Thomson's House being shifted into place in the gardens, quite a process given the steep nature of the site and the size of the house
This unique Sculpture Trail set in a tranquil, rural garden oasis has now been open for 10 years, exhibiting ten completely different sculpture shows, each with more than 40 sculptures, annually over that time.
As a celebration of 10 years of curating this event, curator Sally Lush has selected 1 work from each year that has resonated particularly with her and asked the artist to recreate that work or create another work that evokes a similar feeling, creating a mini show of “Curators Picks”.
Sally Lush says “It has been amazing to have the support of so many artists over the ten years and to be able to support, nurture and encourage artists to explore their creative endeavours free from commercial constraints. Artists have continually challenged, developed and expanded their art practices and it has been rewarding to see this development.”
Pauline Denton (left) enjoying some of the delicious homemade treats in the garden
Artists featured in the “Curators Picks” are Peter Lange (2009), Trish Clarke (2010), Gaye Jurisich (2011), Jin Ling (2012), Ramon Robertson (2013), Faith Tavernor (2014), Audrey Boyle (2015), Janette Cervin (2016) and Jeff Thomson for (2017).
The works selected for the main EXHIBITION 2018 reflect and explore themes of natural beauty, flora and fauna, environmental threats, colonisation and socio-political issues relating to the Kaipara area.
EXHIBITION 2018 is on display until November 2018 ensuring visitors have a fresh experience of the artworks as the seasons change. Come and visit while the warm, dry summer is with us.
Exhibition on show until November 2018.
Open 7 days 9am to 5pm. (Closed Christmas Day and Anzac Morning.) Tickets are Adults $12.50, Children (5 to 13) $6, under 5 free.
Tickets from www.kaiparacoast.co.nz or 09 420 5655.
1481 Kaipara Coast Highway, SH16, 4km north of Kaukapakapa, Auckland. 09 420 5655
