Sculpture at Scenic World brings artistic drama to The Blue Mountains

A trip to the Blue Mountains is always unforgettable and, first time and return visitors, can now add another experience to their visit with 'Sculpture at Scenic World.'

Now in it's fourth year – the event is usually held each year in late April early May – it collaborates with the international arts community and features artists from Germany, Finland, New Zealand, and Japan, alongside Australian artists from Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

Sculpture at Scenic World suprises and inspires as it transforms an area of the Blue Mountains Heritage listed rainforest into a stunning, outdoor gallery for everyone to enjoy.  Just 10 minutes from Katoomba station Scenic World also offers a load of firsts…

• A Scenie Railway – the steepest in the world
• A Scenic Skyway – the highest cable car in Australia
• A Scenic Cableway – the biggest cable car in Australia
• The Scenic Walkway – the longest boardwalk in the Southern Hemisphere

 

It is from the scenic walkway that you are transported into an extroadinary art space – the boardwalk offers a safe and easy way to walk past all the installations – complete with the gorgeous, little native Lyrebirds, who we are told are attracted to the art pieces each year!

You can also take part in a public program designed for children, families and art appreciators.

There are artist lead workshops for children as part of the popular Sculpture for Small People series – every Saturday and Sunday.

Each Friday and Saturday you can meet the exhibitors at Artists Talks including the $20,000 Scenic World Award winner, and there are free guided tours daily.

This year the Sculpture at Scenic World has been extented and now partners with the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre and Katoomba's Carrington Hotel.  Highlights of the Sculpture at Scenic World 2015 program, include:

• metalheads – the Sculpture Projects initiative showcasing a diverse array of sculpture from the metal arts on display at Scenic World, The Carrington Hotel, and the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.A trip
• Sculpture Otherwise – An exhibition by the participating artists of Sculpture at Scenic World, held at the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre.   

When asked about the exhibition Anthea Hammon, who is Scenic World’s Joint Managing Director with brother, David Hammon said "We have truly enjoyed seeing the rainforest inspire artists to create works of art that allows visitors to view the surrounding in a completely new way."

Why not make it a weekend stay? 

Scenic World have partnered with some leading Blue Mountain hotels and resorts to offer a range of accommodation packages for families or couples.  From the iconic Hydo Majestic to the landmark Carrington Hotel or Lilianfels Resort & Spa, to mention just a few on offer, you can create the perfect escape.

Family packages start from AUS $299 at the stunning Carrington hotel and include overnight accommodation in a Colonial room, breakfast, free wifi, unlimited rides at Scenic World and entry to all the exhibitions.

Tickets:

New all-inclusive tickets are available online and onsite at Scenic World.

Sculpture at Scenic World tickets include entry to the exhibition, unlimited rides plus entry to the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre. 

Adult $35, Child $18, Family $88 (2 x adults & up to 5 children under 14), Concession $32.

Winner announced: Marrickville artist receives major $20,000 Sculpture at Scenic World award for recycled timber artwork:

A dramatic recycled timber installation by an Australian artist Elyssa Sykes-Smith, won this year’s $20,000 Scenic World Award prize.

The intricate and site specific ‘A Canopy of Thoughts’,  evolves around the notion of a grasped moment of clarity amongst a haze of uncertainty, and took the artist form from Marrickville, NSW, five days to install within the ancient rainforest setting.

Sykes-Smith’s artwork is among the 31 sculptures now on display at Scenic World until May 10, 2015.

The judging panel, Emeritus Professor David Williams AM, curator Anne Loxley, and artist Clara Hali, said the dramatic scale of Sykes-Smith’s artwork is ambitious and lyrical.

“Sykes-Smith’s artwork offers the viewer a dynamic experience which confronts the environment,” they said.

Sykes-Smith, with the help of her mother and friends, said the experience of installing in the rainforest was pure adventure.

“I have never done a work of this scale or suspended. I knew it was an ambitious idea but I was aware with the skilled installation team led by Richard Harrison, this sculpture would became a reality,” she said.

A highly commended award was presented to Finland artist Sandra Nyberg for her work in wood titled, Heritage. The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre selected Blackheath artist, Hannah Surtees’ steel sculpture, Tall Tales, to be exhibited on the Cultural Centre’s viewing deck at the conclusion of Sculpture at Scenic World.

For further exhibition information, ticketing and accommodation packages visit www.scenicworld.com.au/sculpture

Credits: A shot above photography.