We also have awards donated for a piece judged for its depiction of environmental / wildlife. The Valda Cuming Memorial Award for a quirky sculpture that makes the judges laugh. Meridian Foundry have donated a workshop, Dalchem a voucher for moulding and casting materials, and Art Almanac for a 12 month subscription. We would like to thank all our sponsors, including Kooyonga Creek Winery, who donated wine for our opening.

Immediate Past President and Exhibition Coordinator Gillian Govan is excited about the event, particularly after not being able to host such an event in 2020 or 2021 because of the pandemic. 'The variety, diversity and quality of sculptures by talented artists from all over Victoria is amazing,' she said.

'The Association itself encourages people who have a creative flair and want to make sculpture, to have a reason to do it, and we encourage an understanding of sculpture and art in the community.

'The Exhibition isn’t just about displaying work; for the sculptors it’s a fantastic networking opportunity when they can discuss techniques, ideas and what they would like to achieve, with like minded people.

'Sculpture is an opportunity for sculptors to say something. If someone has a firm feeling on a topic, they can use their work to express their own feelings, or encourage other people to change their thoughts or ideas. It can also bring people joy.

'Without the team of dedicated volunteers this Exhibition would not have happened,' Ms Govan said.

The Exhibition runs from Thursday 9 until Monday 27 June at the Victorian Artists Society.

The opening event will be on Saturday 11 June from 2-4pm when our guest speaker will be McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery director, Lisa Byrne.

For more information visit sculptorsvictoria.asn.au

The Association’s history can be traced back to 1932, when the Sculptors' Society of Australia was formed. During the Depression of the 1930s, Victorian sculptors were struggling to survive; few people understood or appreciated sculpture and even fewer could afford to buy, resulting in some professional exhibitions failing to sell a single work. In 1932 W Leslie Bowles called a meeting of the Melbourne professionals to consider the foundation of a sculptors’ society, whose purpose would be to promote sculpture within the community and encourage competitions for major commissions, and mitigate other trade issues at the time.