Now in its 15^th year, Sculpture in the Vineyards is one of Australia’s longest-running regional sculpture events.

It is a firm fixture on the Destination NSW calendar of events, featuring creative works by some of Australia’s leading sculptors and attracting more than 7000 visitors to the area.

This year’s exhibition showcases more than 60 large-scale and site-specific sculptures through the vineyards, tree groves and gardens of Stonehurst Cedar Creek, Undercliff Winery and Noyce Brothers Wines and the historic Wollombi Village.

Exhibition manager and curator Kes Harper is excited at the quality of this year’s exhibition and the opportunity for all artists to connect directly to the public in a dramatic and breathtaking environment.

“This major outdoor exhibition focuses on placing artworks in an accessible, natural environment, encouraging 'conversations' between the artworks, environment and the public,” Harper said.

“Sculpture in the Vineyards also supports artists in the process of creating site-specific sculpture so their work can create a unique interaction within the vineyard context.”

Cedar Creek artist John Karran says Sculpture in the Vineyards is a great event that brings the community together and shows the beauty of the area. 

“I’ve visited the exhibition each of the last four years and have always enjoyed seeing the many varied works of art in the different settings,” Karran said.

“As a local artist, exhibiting in Sculpture in the Vineyards enables me to experiment with my work in a larger context and be involved in the local community.

“I generally create smaller sculptures, so it’s a good opportunity to build larger work and see the interaction of visitors and locals.”

Indoor sculpture exhibitions will be held at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and Wollombi Cultural Centre’s Old Fireshed Gallery to coincide with the outdoor event.

This year’s exhibition has provided an exciting opportunity for students at Cessnock East Public School, who have worked with environmental artist Leesa Knights on a collaborative assemblage artwork that will form part of Knights’ exhibition Salvaged at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.

Salvaged will open on October 26 and concludes December 3.

The Old Fireshed Gallery will play host to the Small Sculpture Show, which will be open weekends from November 4 to 26.

Sculpture in the Vineyards’ official opening will take place at Stonehurst Cedar Creek on Saturday, October 28 at 5pm, with acclaimed author and former Art Gallery Society NSW executive director Judith White doing the honours.

The free public exhibition will be open 10am to 5pm, seven days a week until December 3. All works are for sale.

Visit sculptureinthevineyards.com.au for more information.