RSS 
Related objects
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
World video travel guide
News • New Zealand • 2011-04-05
Central Otago vineyard sets sculpture scene
Sculpture in Central Otago 2011, Wanaka
Runs until 1 May 2011
An iconic New Zealand landscape and a picturesque vineyard provide a dramatic setting for an outdoor sculpture exhibition that showcases top Kiwi artists.
Sculpture in Central Otago - held on the shores of Lake Wanaka - is a biennial show of large outdoor works from 35 sculptors. The show runs for three months, and the 2011 edition is open until 1 May.
The sculpture trail winds 1.5km through the Rippon vineyard which with its lakeside alpine setting draped in autumn colours lays claim as one of the world’s most scenic wine destinations.
Art & wine connoisseurs
Lake Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s top year-round tourist destinations attracting international and local tourists with a varied choice of adventure, events, food and wine, luxury, snow and family holidays.
And, for art and wine connoisseurs, the sculpture trail offers the unique opportunity of exploring an internationally-acclaimed biodynamic vineyard while spending time amongst the inspiring work of some of New Zealand’s most prominent sculptors.
Rippon’s honours include the top ‘5-star: Outstanding’ accorded by international wine guru Robert Parker in 2008 - the wine industry equivalent of three Michelin stars.
The 2011 event opened with a gala dinner in the new Rippon event centre - a spectacular venue built of rammed earth and recycled timber - which sits on a hill above the vineyard.
2011 exhibitors
Participating sculptors include: Gary Baynes, Russell Beck, Graham Bennett, Julie Butler, Bing Dawe, Paul Dibble, Jane Downes, Ben Foster, Robert Hague, Mark Hill, Martin Hill, Philip Jarvis, Greg Johns, Hamish Jones, Duncan Leask, Cheryl Lucas, Ernie Maluschnig, Doug Neil, Rose Petterson, Rebecca Rose, Dan Rutherford, Anna Scott, Jenny Smith, Johnny Turner, Richard Wedekind, Mark Whyte, Shane Woolridge, James Wright, Bruce Young.
All the large scale outdoor exhibits are for sale, as well as a selection of smaller scale sculptures on show inside the venue.
Visitors can nominate their favourite artwork for the Peoples' Choice Award which will be announced during The Southern Lakes’ Festival of Colour (12 - 17 April).
The exhibition runs until 1 May, and maps and catalogues are available from the Rippon tasting room.
Sculpture in Central Otago is operated by the Wanaka Arts Charitable Trust whose primary aim is to promote sculpture and fine art with particular emphasis on the Wanaka and Central Otago Region.
Background: Rippon Wines
Wanaka winemaker Nick Mills of Rippon, a picturesque vineyard on the shores of Lake Wanaka, strongly believes in the long-term benefits of sustainable wine growing.
Mills, who has had training at several prestigious French vineyards including Domaine Jean-Jacques Confuron and Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, heads the family-run boutique vineyard established in 1982.
Rippon produces organic wines that follow biodynamic principles involving rendering the vines and wines as receptive as possible to their soils and surroundings.
Background: Wanaka
Lake Wanaka - in the heart of New Zealand’s southern lakes region - is the gateway to Mount Aspiring national park and Te Wahipounamu world heritage area.
The resort town of Wanaka, on the southern shores of Lake Wanaka, has year-round outdoor adventures and indoor luxury.
During the long, hot summers, the braided rivers and lakes are alive with people enjoying water-based leisure sports including boating, trout fishing and water-skiing. The mountains offer extensive hiking tracks, mountaineering and rock climbing for outdoor enthusiasts.
In autumn, the Southern Lakes Festival of Colour is a biennial celebration of the arts. The festival is based in Wanaka but also includes Queenstown, Luggate, Hawea, Cromwell and Glenorchy.
In winter, the mountains surrounding the lake provide top ski and heli-ski facilities, attracting snow lovers from around the world to the ski resorts at Cardrona and Treble Cone.
