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Refraction: Outdoor Glass Sculpture Exhibition 2011

Monday 26 September 2011, 2:57PM

By Waikato Sculpture Trust

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Heather Olesen, 'Latitude 37'
Heather Olesen, 'Latitude 37' Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust
Pam Olver, 'California Dreaming'
Pam Olver, 'California Dreaming' Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust
Pam Olver, 'In full bloom'
Pam Olver, 'In full bloom' Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust
Samantha Jones, 'Take flight' (student)
Samantha Jones, 'Take flight' (student) Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust
Toni Tittleton, 'In her shoes' (student)
Toni Tittleton, 'In her shoes' (student) Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust
Sofia Athineou, 'Amfitriti'
Sofia Athineou, 'Amfitriti' Credit: Waikato Sculpture Trust

WAIKATO

It is an absolutely beautiful time of year to visit the Sculpture Park @ Waitakaruru Arboretum. Spring has arrived and just as the blossoms are blooming, so too is Refraction, the Waikato Sculpture Trust’s annual glass sculpture exhibition. In the words of curator Karl Chitham, ‘Refraction as an exhibition is a rare occasion to see glass in a natural setting, exposed to the elements and reactive to the constantly changing conditions around it.’

There is a wonderful diversity to the work on display, incorporating many styles and techniques from some of our country’s finest glass artists including the work of eight 2nd year students from the Wanganui Glass School. The curator feels, ‘the continued participation of these students, and the support of Senior Lecturer Lionel Teer, means that a number of glass artists moving out into the challenging real world environment of craft and design will also have experience of making work for the outdoors.’ Refraction is the only outdoor glass exhibition in NZ.

Many of the works reflect the stunning flora and fauna in the Park; there is even a reference to the Rugby World Cup, visit and pay homage to ‘God’, a stunning work by artist Dermot Kelly. Visitors will be able to look high and low as the works glint and glimmer within the rock garden and Asian area. Delightful intimate collections and large substantial sculptures intermingle with meandering installations, making for a captivating and intriguing roam through the Park.

As well as Refraction, there is an abundance of wonderful sculptures to see as you wend your way around the 2km trail. The Park has well-kept walkways, and enchanting secluded paths that pass by ponds and streams, and the beautiful quarry lake. Extensive views overlook Scotsman Valley and a vast array of trees, plants and flowers complete the picture. Make sure you experience a day out in the country with plenty to see and do. Bring the children and a picnic, or you are very welcome at the Leaping Frog café open during the weekends.

Film of last year’s event:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ABBhEDRjNg 

Curated by Karl Chitham

Venue: The Sculpture Park @ Waitakaruru Arboretum
Dates: Sunday October 2nd – Sunday 13th November 2011