Big numbers flock to Sculpture On The Farm

THE fifth Sculpture On The Farm was held on the Dungog Common.

The biennial exhibition and competition for three-dimensional artworks moved from Fosterton to the recreational reserve to the west of town.

Over three days, from last Friday to Sunday, the show was open to the public.

Strong winds on the first two days barely affected numbers, with around 800 people through the gates on Saturday alone.

Dungog Shire residents and visitors alike flocked to the Common.

Cars were parked along Common Road as far as the eye could see, while Dowling Street positively bustled.

On the Common there were enormous outdoor works like John FItzmaurice’s “Where’s The Cork?”, which won the RUPIO Prize for Metallurgical Excellence.

There was also the acquisitive prizewinner “Big Yellow Taxi” by Stephen Coburn.

Smaller, indoor works included Jo Simpson’s “Boromean Bones”, winner of the Local Dungog Artist Prize.

Sculpture On The Farm is more than a static show.

Shuttle buses, sponsored by Dungog Shire Council, ferried art aficionados around the works, which were spread out across a considerable footprint.

Remarks from people who had seen the sculpture circuit included words like “awesome” and “stunning”.

But the locality and landscapes of Dungog, as well as its people were the real stars.

Behind the scenes, Phillipa and John Graham, and many volunteers, have worked hard to make the exhibition a thriving success.

One volunteer said that possibly the most amazing part of the show was the view from the top of the Common, looking across the sculptures, and over the hills toward the Tops.

Throughout the weekend and over those hills, “Music Midst The Sculptures”, presented by the Performing Artists Of Dungog, rang out.

Sculptors and judges presented guided tours.

Cherie Platen held glass art demonstrations; Will Maguire ran a blacksmithing workshop; and there was the unique Percussive Fusion Of Music on the sculpture “Sowelo Two”.

Dungog Commoners Landcare took guests on Nature Walks.

The sculptures can still be viewed and purchased online at sculptureonthefarm.com.

By Lisa WISEMAN