The launch on Friday evening (September 15) saw valiant art lovers and community members face the winter winds to stomp around the paddocks and then listen to the list of winners, presented this year by the CEO of Regional Arts NSW, Elizabeth Rogers.

Also present on the occasion was Richard Silink, properties manager of the National Trust NSW, which owns Cooma Cottage. He confirmed that the relationship between the exhibition and the Trust would be ongoing.

The winner of the 2017 Tuggeranong Art Centre Prize, chosen by the centre’s arts program manager Narelle Phillips, was Rhonda Castle for her sculpture “Genessee II”.

A unique feature of “Sculpture in the Paddock” is the adjunct sculpture exhibition in the cottage itself of works by students from schools. The initiative was spearheaded by Sandra Hiscock, Amy Watson with  art tutors Suzie Bleach, Andy Townsend, Stephanie Corkhill, Al Phemister, Amy Watson and Dinah Vandenmeys. At last sight, the students’ exquisite small sculptures were selling out fast.

“Sculpture in the Paddock” has always been known for a huge variety of sculptures, some of which fit seamlessly into the natural landscape and others, like Phemister’s mirrored “Narci-Sunnies: To see the one I love”, stand out and make comment.

Members of the public will now have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice  Award – $500 and a trophy, courtesy of the Yass Golf Club.

“Sculpture in the Paddock”, at Cooma Cottage, Yass Valley Way, until October 8, 10am-4pm, daily, with 8pm closure on Thursdays.

News all day, every day at CityNews.com.au.