Symposium back in Matamata
The Matamata Sculpture Symposium is set to kick off its 25th year at Railside by the Green on Monday.
The event attracts sculptors from across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty and is free for members of the public to attend.
People are encouraged to stop and have a chat with the artists as they transform blocks of local Hinuera stone.
Oamaru stone will also feature at the symposium for the first time this year.
President Anthony van den Berg said the symposium was an opportunity for sculptors of all experience to come together.
‘‘ More experienced sculptors help out the firsttimers and let them know what to look for,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s the wonderfulness of just the camaraderie and the help people give each other.’’
It is the longest running sculpture symposium in New Zealand and offers a weekend workshop for anyone interested in learning to sculpt, Mr van den Berg said.
The workshop is tutored by Tauranga sculptor Ashley Grant and this year will run on March 8 and 9.
The artworks created during the two-week symposium will be auctioned off on Saturday, March 15 at 11am.
People are invited to vote for their favourite sculpture in the last few days of the symposium, with the winner of the People’s Choice Award announced at auction day.
Last year’s winner was a hobbit- themed sculpture created by local artist Caroline Mason.
For more information or to enrol in the workshop call Mr van den Berg on 027 958 1297.