“Transformations” – Wood Sculpture Exhibition at the Riddoch Art Gallery

In 2004 the Riddoch Art Gallery launched its first wood sculpture competition, with ForestrySA becoming the major sponsor. Four exhibitions later and ForestrySA is still proud to be the sponsor of this event. The exhibition promotes the beauty and uses of wood, and assists in the cultural development of one of Australia’s most significant timber producing areas, the South East of South Australia.
Acquisitions from the ForestrySA Wood Sculpture Competition enter the Gallery’s collection of sculptures in wood, which already includes works by a selection of Australia’s finest sculptors.
This competition and the accompanying exhibition seek to showcase contemporary art practices that employ wood as the dominant medium. This year 23 applications were selected during the shortlisting process, which attracted artists from across Australia.
Official judging occurs from 17 to 19 March by award winning Queensland artist and educator Stephen Newton. Winners will be announced on 23 March, with the following prizes on offer:-
ForestrySA – Prize $10,000
One artwork will be acquired by the Gallery up to the value of $10,000.
City of Mount Gambier – Regional Artist Award $2,500
One artwork will be acquired by the Gallery up to the value of $2,500, and entrants in this category must reside within a 200km radius of the City of Mount Gambier.
Sustainability Prize $2,500
One artwork will be acquired by the Gallery up to the value of $2,500, and the artwork in this category must be made predominantly from recycled and/or plantation timber.
Mount Gambier Timber Industries Club – People’s Choice Award $500
The winner of this category will be decided by public ballot and will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.
The ForestrySA Wood Sculpture Exhibition will be open to the public and held at the Riddoch Art Gallery from 24 March to 10 June 2012.