Location: Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens,
Date: Sunday 9th December 2018
Time: 2.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens has evolved into an iconic local attraction and community facility over the 11 years since its inception by owners David and Geraldine Bayly.
The display of over 40 diverse and vibrant pieces by established and emerging New Zealand and International artists is completely renewed in November each year and Exhibition 2019 is to be opened by the recently elected local MP for Helensville, Chris Penk.
As Chris highlights;
“The bountiful beauty of Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens is known well beyond our area. For years its glorious outlook has been impressing visitors from around New Zealand and beyond.
As local MP for this piece of paradise, it’s with huge pride that I’ll be opening the 2019 display. I’m hoping that we’ll be joined by many locals and other lovers of great flora, fauna and freshness.
Please do come and share in our enjoyment of this unique and ever-changing art landscape!
Chris follows in some fairly well known footsteps as John Key opened the exhibition event in 2009.
The 2019 exhibition has been produced by curator Shea O’Neill.
Artists have been encouraged to develop concepts which explore the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens in the context of the surrounding Kaipara environment and address ideas of conservation through artworks which encourage visitors to engage, explore and interact with the local environment. November 2018
Mr. O’Neill says;
“Our approach to curating this exhibition has favoured simple, interactive, sculptural works which are responsive and encourage exploration. We have created a playful space where we hope people will feel comfortable to have fun and engage with the work.”
Contributing artists for this years’ exhibition include:
Glen Colechin; Rebecca Rose; Blair Logan; Christian Nicolson; Cinzah Merkens; Fiona Henderson; Jim Elliss; Jo May; Oriah Rapley; Sen McGlinn; Sonja van Kerkhoff; Yelz, Zoe Nash; Colin Wightman; John Mulholland; Kaukapakapa Venturers; Maggy Johnston; Mandy Cherry Joass; Karen Sewell; Larisse Hall; Simon Gray; Gaye Jurisich; Jan Simmons; Vaimoana Eves; Aaron Frater; Ema Frost; Component; Rustic Twist; Kerstin Hedström; Canny Creations; Louise Purvis; Richard Wedekind; Lipika Sen; Prabhjyot Majithia; Jeff Thompson and others.
Some of these will be available at the event to discuss their work.
Venue History & Details:
The sculpture gardens, which opened in 2008, have been developed in conjunction with Kaipara Coast Plant Centre which has been owned and operated by David and Geraldine Bayly from this site since 1988. The Sculpture Trail is open to the public 364 days a year and features a 1km garden and forest trail showcasing more than 40 sculptures by emerging and established New Zealand and international artists.
The trail passes through a rural landscape with a mix of grassy slopes, ponds, wetland area, formal gardens, native bush, an orchard, pine planting and has views to the Kaipara Harbour.
Although very easy to walk along, the gravel pathway isn’t suitable for wheel chairs or walking frames.
Opening event details:
The opening event on Sunday, December 9, 2018, will be a unique opportunity to be the first to experience the Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens Exhibition 2019 and celebrate its launch with the artists. Guests will enjoy a wonderful afternoon of live music and refreshments, guided tours of the gardens, and have the chance to meet the artists and team behind the exhibition.
Opening Event hours: 2.30 – 5.00pm, Sunday 9th December 2018. November 2018 Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens
http://www.kaiparacoast.co.nz/sculpturegardens.php
Event Ticket Information
Adults - $15, Children (5-13) - $7.50 (under 5’s are free)
Family Pass $35, Groups and Bus tours welcome.
For more information please contact:
Shea O’Neill, shea@sideroom.com , 021 046 0676
