Five vineyards, cellar doors and Wollombi Village itself will be transformed into a spectacular series of sculpture parks, featuring large scale and site-specific works in a huge variety of styles and mediums by over 60 artists, including some of Australia’s best loved and even controversial sculptors including Col Henry, Gary Deirmendjian, Geoff Harvey and Jane Gillings. 

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Sculpture in the Vineyards continues to attract high calibre artists from across the country. A combination of the unique picturesque environment and innovative awards for artists makes Sculpture in the Vineyards a must see must do experience for art and wine lovers alike.

Professionally curated by Arthur Chan, Sculpture in the Vineyards provides unparalleled opportunities for artists to showcase their work, regardless of their stage of career. Featuring sculptures by emerging artists as well as those established with international reputations, this exhibition is a reflection of the immense creative drive in Australia and the artists are eligible for numerous awards.

“Sculpture in the Vineyards has evolved significantly since 2002 and 2012 is shaping up to be an extraordinary event. With the addition of Australia’s only site-specific art award, it’s a great opportunity for artists to engage with the environment and for art and wine lovers to explore unique, cutting edge approaches to art practice and enjoy great local wines, produce and hospitality,” said director Tara Morelos.

A highlight of the 2012 Sculpture in the Vineyards program is the Art, Food and Wine days. With five courses over the five venues, matching wines and guided by art experts, these luxury coach tours or self-guided drives will delight the fussiest of palates and indulge the senses with local produce.

Each venue has a unique cellar door experience where local, mostly organic wines, liqueurs and tasty treats can be sampled. Several venues offer comfy cottage accommodation.

The opening night celebration on Saturday,  November 3 is a free event and features a lantern parade, smoking ceremony, wine tasting, homemade food and more.

Kids have not been forgotten and can be kept happy, entertained and involved with a Kids Trail Sculpture Pack, available from any of the participating venues. The pack contains a treasure hunt, coloured pencils, a snack, a drink and information about sculptures especially for kids. They can even vote in a Kid’s Choice Prize and tell us what they really think.

On October 26 Dani Marti, a multi disciplinary local artist with an international reputation, and Sarah Johnson, Senior Curator at Newcastle Art Gallery, will be joined by Jane Hamshere from Undercliff Winery for the Undercliff Site Specific Art Award. Allyson Hoft from Wollombi Wines will join the judges and Curator Arthur Chan to decide upon the Wollombi Wines Residency Award. John Barnes, Director of Cessnock Regional Art Gallery, will select four artists to exhibit in the gallery as a group exhibition in 2013.

SINV is a not for profit organisation run by a team of dedicated art loving wine makers, volunteers and art industry professionals and is a Destinations NSW Regional Flagship event.