The golden sands of Currumbin Beach on the Gold Coast will again transform into an impressive collection of specially curated one-off works of art for the 16th annual SWELL Sculpture Festival.
Held from September 14 to 23, the celebrated family-friendly exhibition will showcase the works of local, national and international artists in a truly unique experience, with the ocean as the picturesque backdrop.
The collection of imposing and inspiring sculptures selected for this year’s festival promise to captivate audiences with their thought-provoking messages, tactile creation, intricate detail and often enormity, as they create striking silhouettes along the shoreline.
In 2018, visitors to the festival can enjoy a multi-faceted creative environment, with the event program featuring a host of engaging family-friendly workshops, a school-based program and captivating guided twilight walks winding through the sculptures as the sun sinks beyond the skyline.
This year’s program will also see the addition of artist talks, a series of interview-style chats with select exhibiting artists. Giving event goers a unique opportunity to meet the maker. The artist will share their experience in creating their sculpture providing insight into the message conveyed through their creation.
Art lovers of all skill levels will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of workshops throughout the exhibition including a masterclass with renowned artist and exhibitor Phillip Piperides, who will share his extensive knowledge and experience in figurative sculpting.
Artist Rebecca Cunningham will lead a captivating Life Drawing Workshop held on the beach amongst the sculptures, while award-winning artist Seabastion Toast will host an enchanting Plein Air Painting Workshop, encouraging visitors to engage with the works and surrounding outdoor elements.
While perusing the works of art at the festival, visitors will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite sculpture with a People’s Choice Award going to the artist with the highest number of votes. There will also be awards presented to the winners of the Kid’s Choice Award, Emerging Artist Award, Environmental Awareness Award and Artist Peer Award.
Not isolated to the southern end of the Coast, SWELL Sculpture Festival will literally be blown to new proportions extending to Helensvale with Northerly Swell. Local artist Dion Parker will inflate imaginations with his upscaled inflatable dog ‘lil Dusty’ at the Helensvale Library and Cultural Centre from August 29 to September 23.
The annual festival invites the local community to kick off their shoes and immerse themselves in this internationally acclaimed cultural attraction and experience the atmosphere that continues to captivate art enthusiasts, families, beach lovers and the like.
for all the event information, please visit www.swellsculpture.com.au
