Zoe Moffatt
Residents from across Victoria are encouraged to stroll through the grounds at Hanging Rock Winery for its sixth annual free sculpture exhibition.
The exhibition, Art in the Vines, hosts a range of breathtaking artwork that harmoniously interact with the scenic surroundings.
It opened on October 14, with a long lunch and award ceremony, and will run through to April 30, 2024.
Curator Malcolm Thomson sought sculptures from some of Australia’s best-known artists alongside some very exciting up-and-coming artists.
“We try to make a show that covers every form of sculpture you can think of,” Mr Thomson said.
“It’s great because people get up there to see the sculptures… [and] enjoy the [winery] and the atmosphere with the view of hanging rock.
“The art gives the opportunity for people to wander around, view the works and have an opinion about them.”
Mr Thomson encouraged everyone to think about how artists entertain people and said it’s important to show support.
“We tend to forget artists, they are very generous. When you want to raise money for something people often go to artists,” he said.
“They have something that is popular to sell and that people want… in the arts people aren’t supported as much.
“In most cases I find that most people are very supportive… They love the exhibition and feel it ties in well with the winery.”
Over the years the exhibition has included works of talented sculptors such as Tim Jones, Geoffrey Barlett, Jock Clutterbuck, Brigit Heller, Anton Hasell, Simon Normand, and international artists, Andreas Buisman and Kerry Canon.
Former Monash University senior sculpture lecturer Dr Dan Wollmering judged the inaugural Hanging Rock Sculpture Award at the opening of the exhibition, presenting Kerry Cannon with the title.
Mr Cannon’s sculpture, The Bower Girl, was made with wood, string and wax cast in bronze, to make up two sides of the bower and a sleeping nude girl.
The exhibition is open to the general public seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and is located at 88 Jim Road, Newham, Victoria.
Details: hangingrock.com.au
