Evocative sculpture donated to Taupo district

A unique glass sculpture is to be installed outside Taupo’s Great Lake Centre – the first of many works of art which may appear throughout the Taupo district.

 

The three-metre high glass sculpture commissioned by Taupo Sculpture Trust is being handed to Taupo District Council who will take ownership for the district.

 

Renowned glass artist Lynden Over is using around 4000 pieces of glass to create the sculpture which is designed to represent the cloak of Tia (an early Ng
ti Tkwharetoa ancestor).

 

Taupo District Council’s Taupo/Kaingaroa-Mangakino/Pouakani Committee has approved the location of the sculpture: a paved courtyard area near the entrance to the Great Lake Centre. A semi-formal style of landscaping around the sculpture including plants, local rock and water will integrate it into its surroundings.

 

Chairman Kathryn Uvhagen congratulated Taupo Sculpture Trust on its achievement in securing a beautiful work of art with historical significance for the Taupo District. “We are very fortunate that the first piece of public art will be created by a respected local artist whose work is esteemed nationally,” she said.

 

Mayor Rick Cooper is looking forward to seeing the “evocative” sculpture in place. “I’m really pleased about the relationship the Taupo Sculpture Trust has formed with Council,” he says. “The work they’re facilitating is great for the district.”

 

It is hoped the “Cloak of Tia” will be installed before the end of July 2009.

 

Taupo Sculpture Trust aims to formulate other iconic works of art for the Taupo area and has received donations from Taupo Moana Rotary Club and Creative Taupo towards its work.