Sculpture in Central Otago has brought quality New Zealand sculpture to the majestic vineyard region of Central Otago since 2004. Now operating under the Wanaka Arts Charitable Trust, the next Sculpture in Central Otago exhibition, scheduled for February 2009, will be hosted at Wanaka's Rippon Vineyard, described by many as one of the most beautiful vineyard settings in the world. Sculpture in Central Otago has brought quality New Zealand sculpture to the majestic vineyard region of Central Otago since 2004. Now operating under the Wanaka Arts Charitable Trust, the next Sculpture in Central Otago exhibition, scheduled for February 2009, will be hosted at Wanaka's Rippon Vineyard, described by many as one of the most beautiful vineyard settings in the world.Located on the western shores of Lake Wanaka on undulating terrain within a basin of the Southern Alps, large-scale artworks will be positioned within the vineyard to form a sculpture trail providing an opportunity to view and purchase quality New Zealand sculpture.

Sculpture in Central Otago founders Norma Dutton and Peter Gregg welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Rippon Vineyard directors Nick and Jo Mills to develop and manage an event in accordance with the biodynamic principles followed at the vineyard and winery. Consistent with sustainable practices, the placement of sculptures will have minimal impact on the soil and vines, and must leave no permanent trace, renewing the ground to its former state. Rippon uses no herbicides, fungicides or chemical fertilisers and reuses organic waste within the vineyard, so the event will adopt a zero-waste policy and introduce no chemical material to the soil.

Sustainability and environmental concerns inform the work of many of the leading New Zealand sculptors invited to exhibit at Sculpture in Central Otago 2009. Those confirmed include Graham Bennett, Bing Dawe, Leon van den Eijkel, Mark Hill, Hannah Kidd, Phil Newbury, Peter Nicholls, Phil Price, Dan Rutherford, Rebecca Rose and Llew Summers. Celebrated New Zealand painter Don Binney will attend the gala opening as guest speaker.

While celebrating the landscape and the talent and diversity of sculptors, the event also contributes to the local community, making a financial donation each year to community projects.

Nick & Jo Mills of Rippon are proud and excited to share their land with top New Zealand sculptors and their creations. As with the music and theatre events hosted within the vineyard, they perceive art practice to reflect the wine-making process by responding to and distilling the essence of the natural environment through human inspiration.

A special opening function to launch the event will be held at 4pm on Friday 6 February 2009. Tickets for the opening can be purchased for $30 from Gallery Thirty Three, 33 Helwick Street and Rippon Vineyard tasting room, Wanaka or The Arthouse, Christchurch.

The event will then be open to the public on Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 February, from 10.00am, with a $15 entrance fee at the gate. From 9 February to 3 May access is from the vineyard tasting room, with catalogue and map, for $5.

Sculpture in Central Otago 2009 promises to be a fun filled event that captures and celebrates the vitality of New Zealand sculptural practice.

18/12/08