World's Largest Free Outdoor Art Exhibition ~ Sculpture by the Sea ~ Opens

Written by Norma Kleesman Thursday, 29 October 2009 20:15

SYDNEY.- The world’s largest free outdoor art exhibition and one of Sydney’s favourite events, Sculpture by the Sea opens today, transforming the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk with 114 sculptures from Australian and international artists for the next 17 days. Since its inception in 1997, over 4.3 million people have enjoyed the exhibition, which has grown from a grassroots event run by volunteers to become one of the most popular sculpture exhibitions in the world. The 13th annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition from Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach in Sydney, opens Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009. The works of more than 100 artist will be on display for two weeks for anyone to enjoy during a stroll between the 2 beaches.

Highlights from this year’s exhibition include The Balnaves Foundation Sculpture Prize winner, May Barrie, who was awarded the largest sculpture prize in NSW of $60,000 for her work time and tide granite monolith II. At 91-years-old, May has sculpted for more than 60 years and is a great source of inspiration for at least two generations of art students through her commitment to education.

American artist Tim Prentice has been awarded the Transfield Holdings Kinetic Art Prize of $10,000 for his outdoor sculpture, Easel Windframe.

The works of Distinguished Invited Artists Jan King, Stephen King, and John Henry (USA) will also feature in the 13th annual exhibition.

Simultaneously, indoor exhibition Sculpture Inside will feature over 200 smaller works and play host to An Audience with Artists, a series of relaxed free talks given by exhibiting artists at 3pm at the Bondi Pavilion Gallery on Sat 31st October, Sunday 1, 7, 8 and 14 of November.

The NAB Schools Education Program sees over 2,000 primary and secondary school students from years K-10 participate in artist-led workshops and study tours developed alongside the NSW Board of Studies Visual Arts Curriculum. Teachers and students from around the world will also have access to an online education kit available as a free download from the website.

This year a free weekend shuttle service for guests on all three weekends of the exhibition will be available, collecting and dropping off guests at either end of the coastal walk from Bondi Beach to Tamarama from 9.30am to 6.00pm.

Sculpture by the Sea is introducing a new online experience with visitors able to explore images and information about the sculptures and artists whilst wandering the site, by accessing an iPhone and mobile website. Visit Sculpture by the Sea at : http://www.sculpturebythesea.com/

---

Click on logo below to add this article to your favorite Social Website ~