DIGNITARIES, artists, volunteers and guests rubbed shoulders at Sculpture On The Farm’s Gala Cocktail Party.
The red carpet was rolled out for the glittering occasion at Dungog’s James Theatre last Friday evening.
Soft, moody lighting and muted music set the scene, while a sculpture slideshow played on the big screen.
Around 100 guests mingled, sipped wine and nibbled on upmarket delicacies like chicken and onion crustless sandwiches and chilled duck pancakes with spicy barbecue sauce.
The exhibition was officially opened by NSW Speaker and MLA Greg Piper.
Judges for the sculpture competition came from opposite ends of the country.
Loretta Morton OAM has been Director of Newcastle Art Gallery for over 10 years, while award-winning sculptor Johannes Pannekoek flew from Western Australia to join her in identifying winning works.
Together with Sculpture On The Farm’s Curator Philippa Graham OAM, they announced and presented the prizes for 2025.
Philippa Graham spoke of Sculpture On The Farm’s gratitude to the original sponsor, philanthropist Tracy Norman.
She also mentioned that grants from the Federal and State governments, and Dungog Shire Council, have made the show possible.
Her effusive praise for the local “sensational” volunteers was greeted with applause.
The prize winners were also obviously delighted.
The major $20,000 acquisitive prize went to Stephen Coburn’s work, “Big Yellow Taxi”.
It will be donated to the Dungog Common, where 2025’s Sculpture On The Farm was held for the first time.
The Dr Clinton Ng Artistic Excellence Prize of $10,000 went to Anton McMurray’s “The First Agreement“.
As well as contributing to sculpture transport and photography, and shuttle buses for the exhibition, Dungog Shire Council gave $1000 for the Local Dungog Artist Prize.
It was won by Jo Simpson with “Boromean Bones“.
In her acceptance speech, Jo said that she has lived in the area for two years and it is “her heart and soul”.
To complete the Gala evening, one sculptor even made a marriage proposal… and was accepted.
By Lisa WISEMAN
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