Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show

Since 1996 the Association of Sculptors has coordinated the sculpture exhibition at the Flower Show. The 2009 exhibition comprises approximately 90 works contributed by sculptors from both Victoria and Interstate and is situated in the Carlton Gardens at the Royal Exhibition Building end of section A.

Deborah Halpern will judge the 2009 Sculpture Exhibition. Deborah is a well-known mosaic artist and sculptor whose inspiration over the last twenty years has been Pablo Picasso. This is reflected in all her works whether they are paintings, sculptures, murals or mosaics.

In particular Deborah is famous for a huge double-headed, three armed giant, titled Angel, which used to stand in the moat of the NGV at St Kilda Road but now resides in Birrarung Marr near Federation Square.

Prizes to be awarded are:

• First Prize $3,000 - sponsored by Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show presented by Mighty Helpful Mitre 10 and the ASV.
• Second Prize $1,000 - provided by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.
• Third Prize - $250 - provided by Bulleen Art & Garden.

We are also proud to offer the ongoing Without Pier Gallery Prize - $1,000 for an emerging sculptor with less than ten year's exhibiting experience plus a three month exhibition at the Gallery in Bay Street, Cheltenham.

We thank our sponsors very much.

Several sculptors under the watchful eye of Kevin Free will be demonstrating close to the sculpture exhibition. Look for the sign.

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show runs from 1st to the 5th of April 2009 in the Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building. For further information see the official Melbourne Flower & Garden Show website.

2009 Exhibition Prizes and Awards

Below are the winners of the 2009 sculpture prize. Click on an image to see the work in larger format, with accompanying details.

1st Prize - Jim Howson

2nd Prize - Jan Indrans

3rd prize - Lise Toft

People's Choice - Karen Herring

Highly Commended - Jenny Steiner

Highly Commended - Pauline Meade

Emerging Artist Award - Mary Van den Broek

2006 Exhibition Preview

Rudi Jass - Seed 3

Valda Cuming - Virtual Fragments

Rudi Jass - Wings of Desire

Van Phu Le - Nostalgia 3

Rachelle Dale - Sea Dog

Gillian Govan - Curiosity

Meredith Plain - Dancing Dragons

Rachelle Dale - The Last Unicorn

2006 Exhibition Acknowledgements

The exhibiting sculptors and members of the Association of Sculptors of Victoria would like to thank the following donors for their support of this exhibition:

• IMG and MIF&GS
  Website URL: www.melbflowershow.com.au
  Provision of the site and facilities, and for sponsorship of the second and third prizes.
• Outdoor Creations - the Garden Studio
  Website URL: www.outdoorcreations.com.au
  Sponsor of the first prize, and honorary judges for the Sculpture Prize 2006.
• Bulleen Art & Garden
  Website URL: www.baag.com.au
  For the Bulleen Art & Garden Prize for best limestone carving, and support for the demonstration event.
• Morning Star Estate
  Website URL: www.morningstarestate.com.au
  For the Prize for Presentation.
• Northcote Pottery
  Website URL: www.northcotepottery.com.au
  For the Northcote Pottery Prize for best ceramic art.
• Tropical Thatch
  Website URL: www.tropicalthatch.com.au
  For the provision of our "site office".
• Super Steel Lattice - Metal Art
  Website URL: www.supersteellattice.com
  For supply of the safety barrier to the demonstration event.

The exhibition committee for the 2006 MIF&GS Sculptors' Art in the Garden comprised Bronwyn Culshaw (co-ordinator), Patrick Culshaw, Tristan Geier, Donald Glue, Gillian Govan, Heather King, Michael Meszaros, Meredith Plain, Jenny Rickards and Lise Toft. Special thanks to Danny Bast.

2004 Exhibition Judge's Comments

Before awarding the prizes, Lesley Alway gave the following introduction: -

"Judging at prizes, whether painting, sculpture or mixed media is a mixed blessing - and never easy. On the one hand there is the joy of looking at and discovering new work, on the other hand there is the difficulty of delivering judgement on work that is often difficult to compare, but that has been nurtured and developed, often with much anxiety and heartache by the artists as they strive to make their ideas a reality. This burdens the 'judge' with much responsibility - and often as much angst!

It is worth remembering that judging art is purely subjective and the 'winning' work is relative to the views of [the] particular judge(s), rather than necessarily the best work overall. The criteria by which I have assessed the work includes both the expression of the concept or idea as well as the skill and technique of the execution and presentation.

In 2004, as in previous years there is a diversity of practice and materials. The most powerful works are those that use their materials and forms to evoke a powerful idea. Often these are at first sight, the simplest works, but on reflection, the most complex because of the reduction and paring down of elements that requires a discipline often hard to attain. Less is often more. On the other hand, humour and whimsy were elements in a number of works that convey meaning with great joy.

Congratulations to all the entrants for their commitment to sculpture in all its forms."