THE 2016 Sculpture in the Paddock prize has been awarded to Tobias Bennett from Leeton for his work ‘Rampage’, it has been announced.

The winning work was praised by judges were Monica McInerney, Alex Asch and Narelle Phillips as a masterpiece in steel manipulation.

The Yass Soldiers Club Encouragement Award went to ANU student Keith Bender for ‘Tracks’, a work referencing gaps in knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal history and culture.

The ANU School of Art Award was won by ANU student Anton Poon for his work ‘Synergy’, while Goulburn artist Anna-Maree O’Neale won the Tuggeranong Arts Centre Prize with her work ‘Mr Anderson’. The prize offers O’Neale an exhibition at the arts centre during 2017.

Sculpture in the Paddock was originally conceived by Al Phemister and Duncan Waugh as part of the 2013 YASSarts Arts Trail.

“There are 35 sculptures this year and counting, 50 per cent of contributing artists are local the others come from all over,” Mr Phemister says, adding that he had tried to focus on encouraging young or aspiring artists to this year’s event, evident by the inclusion of the Yass Soldiers Club encouragement award.

Local students and students from Canberra are also exhibiting inside Cooma Cottage for the duration of Sculpture in the Paddock,” he says. Reconciliation NSW have selected 20 students, aging from 10 and 16-years of age, across the state to exhibit their indigenous artworks in the cottage.

In collaboration with local yoga teachers, Emily Simpson raised money for a labyrinth to be built in Centennial Park in 2014 and internationally renowned sculptor Rosemary Madigan, the labyrinth is being painted and classes involving the explanation and history of the labyrinth will be included throughout the exhibition.”

Major prizes this year total more than $3,000.

“Sculpture in the Paddock,” at Cooma Cottage, Yass Valley Way, until October 9. Open every day, 10 – 4 (open until 8pm Thursdays only)

Photos courtesy of Camilla Duffy.