WOLLOMBI VALLEY SCULPTURE FESTIVAL STARTS 14th SEPTEMBER

For an opportunity to view the cream of Australian and international sculpture in a relaxed rural environment, the Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival is second to none.

Now in its 21st year, the festival has blossomed in recent years and attracts an ever-increasing range of respected sculptors. This year’s festival will feature 180 works in six indoor galleries, three vineyards and throughout the scenic and historic hamlets of Wollombi and Laguna.

With such a wide spread of displays, visitors can contemplate individual works at length without feeling crowded or pressured to move on. Whether you visit for the day or choose to book some of the picturesque accommodation available in the area, the festival makes a great outing for both sculpture lovers and families. There are also guided tours and a schools program.

This year British sculptor and Principal of the Hampstead School of Art, Isabel Langtry, will be the Distinguished Guest Sculptor. Isabel’s visit will provide insight into international perspectives on outdoor sculpture and the role of public art. Her engaging style and presence will add to what is already a very vibrant, dynamic and community-focused event.

Distinguished finalists include Armidale-based Ingrid Morley, who has been a finalist in many important exhibitions such as Sculpture by the Sea and most recently won the 2024 Sculpture for Clyde in Batemans Bay.

The festival will also include works by many artists local to the area, including Paul Selwood, Roger Macfarlane, Stephen Paul Coburn and Will Maguire.

The Wollombi Valley Sculpture Festival runs from 14-29 September and provides a unique focus for community activity and cohesion. Organised by over 100 local volunteers and supported by many businesses in the area, it is the longest running regional sculpture festival in New South Wales.

Simon Marnie from ABC Radio will MC the official opening and prize-giving ceremony on the evening of Saturday 14th, and will broadcast his weekend morning show live from Wollombi from 10am-12pm on Sunday 15th.