Sculptures breeze to win

NATASHA MARTIN

WINNING DESIGN: The public choice was a close competition, with Gary Baynes winning with Winds of Change.

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Timaru has two new pieces of public art thanks to the Heartland Sculpture Challenge.

The two new works will complement the six sculptures that have remained since the challenge began in 2008.

The winners were announced yesterday at the Art on the Bay day that wrapped up the voting for the public choice winner.

The art award, which is selected by four judges, was won by Timaru artist and art tutor Michael Armstrong for his five-metre-high sculpture, A Lazy Wind.

"I really appreciate getting this award given the very high standard of competition," Armstrong said.

"I hope for this community the competition continues to prosper as it changes the art atmosphere for all of you."

The public choice was a close competition, with Gary Baynes winning with Winds of Change.

"Thank you very much for voting. This is a great thing for Timaru."

Both winners receive $8000 in return for their sculpture staying where it is.

Event organiser Henri Stein said he would now be working hard to try to secure as many of the remaining six sculptures as possible.

"I will be talking to sponsors, it would be so great if we could keep them all."

Timaru mayor Janie Annear yesterday praised the challenge for bringing more public art to the region.

"Out of the nine sculptures in the first challenge six of them have remained through the generosity of sponsors and an artist.

"Meridian had promised to sponsor the event for five years and we were disappointed when they decided at the last minute to pull out.

"I just want to thank my councillors for getting on board and supporting this great event."

- © Fairfax NZ News