All the ins + outs of this artistically awesome event.
After four whole years of hibernation, Sculpture in the Valley is here again yay! Usually held every 2 years, the 2021 event was cancelled [thanks COVID] but now it’s back baby! Bringing some proper artistic beauty to the already gorgeous Kangaroo Valley this is set to be an amazing event. Check out all the details about it below.
When?
The event will be held over two weekends in September. Mark your calendars for the 9th and 10th as well as the 16th and 17th, [plenty of time to fit in a visit].
The garden will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on the 9th, 10th and 16th and will finish up at 2 pm on the 17th.
Where?
The gorge Wilburra Estate at 32 Smarts Rd in Barrengarry will be home to the event this year. It’s about a 10 min drive from the town centre, named part of the dress circle of the valley, the estate has a lovely garden and some STUNNING views over the valley to boot! There is a car parking area for the estate just off Smarts Rd with guidance to the event from there.
Tix?
Tickets are $10pp and kiddos under 18 are free. That’s a pretty great price for a day out with the fam if you ask us! You can grab your tickets from the event website here.
What to expect?
There will be around 120 sculptures at the event [woah that’s a lot of brilliant sculptures] all sited by David Ball the curator of the event and past first-prize winner. Expect live music at different times throughout all of the days and coffee and light refreshments will be available to purchase.
Check out the curator’s tours, where you can join David as he guides you through the site. Make time to attend an artist’s talk where you can meet some of the sculptors and even have a lil Q&A. We recommend wearing comfy, sturdy shoes as it is a garden after all!
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, yes and yes! Some of the works this year are set to be super whimsical so an excellent opportunity for kids to really take in the art [with their eyes of course]. Most of the event will be outdoors, with a few of the smaller and more delicate works being in an indoor gallery, so the kids can stretch their legs as well as their minds.
There’s also a chance to win 500 bucks. Take a photo of one of the sculptures and enter it in the comp to be in the running! The sculptors aren’t the only ones in line for a prize hey!
PS. Although this event is friendly for most of the fam, the four-legged furry kind will have to stay at home – this is not one for the dogs.
How to support the event?
Besides buying a ticket and coming along there are some other super cool ways to support the event and the sculptors. The sculptures are not only to admire and adore but they are also up for prizes AND up for sale.
Visitors can vote in the ‘People’s Choice’ award, and the winning sculpture will claim a prize of $5000.
Also, if you spot something you just love, love, love- all the works are for sale, so why not make it your own?!
Sculpture in the Valley depends on volunteers to keep it going. If you would like to give back to the arts and volunteer your time, you can reach out to the event organisers to let them know.
Find out more here.
We love sculpture because it is a totally unique form of art. Be prepared to have your funny bone tickled, your eyebrows raised and your brains full of wonder.
You bet we’re looking forward to this one and we sure you are too!
