Hastings Sculpture Symposium
Posted on the 27 December 2017
Sculpting skills on display
Nine sculptors wielding everything from small chisels to chainsaws will descend on Hastings’ Albert Square for the Hastings Sculpture Symposium this summer.
Running from 24-27 January, this unique event will see the participating artists produce their sculptures in a public setting, giving viewers a rare opportunity to witness the evolution of the artworks.
Organised by Arts Inc Heretaunga, the event is part of an overall strategy aimed at revitalizing the Hastings inner city and encouraging the growth of the arts in the region.
Hastings Community Arts Development Manager Pitsch Leiser says the event is a great way to showcase the huge community of talented artists in Hawke’s Bay. “We see this as a great opportunity to show off the depth of artistic talent in our region, while giving locals and visitors the chance to be part of the artistic process.”
Leiser says Albert Square is an ideal environment for the artists to work in, as it a beautiful open space and there is great street exposure. There is also the option for the artists to work undercover if required and there are lockable containers on site, for storing equipment.
Nine artists are confirmed for the event, including Sean Geenty, Kay Bazzard, Stewart Brodie, Jil of Aotearoa, Stephanie Drew, Hugh Tareha, Chris Elliott, Fran Obers and John Gisborne. They will work in a variety of media including Oamaru stone, wood, clay, acrylic and cardboard. Each artist will create a minimum of one artwork during the four-day event, working a minimum of six hours per day on site.
Participating artist Kay Bazzard says she is intending to sculpt a figure in red clay during the symposium. “It will be a challenge as the clay tends to dry out so quickly in warm temperatures but I look forward to working with other sculptors," says Ms Bazzard.
Art lovers will have the opportunity to purchase the finished sculptures at a public auction at 3.00pm on Saturday the 27th of January in Albert Square.
Leiser hopes the Sculpture Symposium will become an annual event in Hastings with plans to include both national and international artists in the future.
“Hastings is increasingly becoming a cultural hub, and the Sculpture Symposium is a great way to our bring artists and art-lovers closer together.”
The Hastings Sculpture Symposium
9.00am - 6.00pm daily from Wednesday 24 to Friday 26 January
9.00am to 3.00pm, Saturday 27 January
Albert Square, corner Karamu Road South and Heretaunga St East, Hastings.
For more information, please contact:
Pitsch Leiser
Community Arts Development Manager, Arts Inc. Heretaunga
Email: pitsch.leiser@artsinc.co.nz
Phone: 021 152 7083