THE sequel was indeed just as good as the original (with apologies for the football analogy in an arts story) when the second annual TRAILS South West Sculpture Exhibition was officially lunched on Sunday.
A good crowd attended the unique launch, which saw them gather at Julia Street Creative Space and then stroll 1.2km around the Portland CBD, viewing 34 sculptures in businesses along the way.
There was, of course, also time for refreshments at the two hosting stations, the Royal Hotel and Groke, with live music by Monnii O’Garr when they returned to the Creative Space.
Participants also heard from judges Serena Wong and Gareth Colliton on who they decided won the two major awards.
The $6000 first prize was won by Georgina Sambell for ‘Bottling Growths’, which is on display at Stratus Legal Group, 60 Percy St.
Grant Finck took out second prize, $3000, for his work ‘Almost a Flock’ which is on display at Sarah Aley Remedial Massage and Goodman Photography and Custom Framing, 31-33 Julia St.
Exhibition convenor Robyn McDonald said the exhibition, primarily sponsored by the Committee for Portland, aimed to bring art into the public domain and support local businesses.
A ‘Walk and Win’ initiative this year, funded by Pacific Hydro, includes three $50 WLT gift cards.
Anyone who scans all 36 finalist QR codes from the window of each sculpture will automatically go into the draw.
AWA Alliance Bank has again sponsored the People's Choice Award of $1000, with those voting for the most popular choice in the running for a $100 voucher to be spent at Clock By the Bay restaurant.
And two of the popular exhibits, ‘Happy Dog’ and ‘Lola’ (the alpaca) had already been snapped up by locals excited to give them a home.
The exhibition runs until May 1 – to find out where the sculptures are, grab a copy of a map from all participating businesses, the Julia Street Creative Space, the Glenelg Shire Council customer service centre at 57 Percy St and the Visitor Information Centre.
But wait, there’s more…
A second launch followed the sculpture one at 5pmon Sunday, celebrating the much-anticipated SeaEarth sculptural fence, designed by local artist Andrew Walsh.
Located in the laneway between Julia Street and the IGA carpark, the work features steel creations from the land and the sea.
Will Hamilton, Brandon Mole, and Bradley Hunter from the Portland Secondary College Re-engagement Program were mentored by Mr Walsh and Phil Petrie and became an integral part of the eight-month collaboration.
Local hairdresser Brek Botha also helped when available, thrilled to learn the art of steel craft.
The project was made possible by funding from Regional Arts Victoria, the Glenelg Shire Council, United Way Glenelg, Keppel Prince Engineering, BlueScope Steel, Geelong Galvanising and Portland Minimix.
Ms McDonald, the project co-ordinator, spoke of the opportunities of a supportive community with artist, student, industry, government and charity united in realising the benefits of public art, mentorship and the voluntary spirit.
The first exhibition to be housed in the fence is ‘Free Flow’, a series of acrylic flow technique artworks by local artists Bette Tyzzer, Micheline Murphy and Rowan.
