Mudgee’s flagship Sculptures in the Garden has returned to celebrate contemporary Australian sculpture over 16 days in the beautiful gardens and vineyards of Rosby Wines.
With over 260 sculptures on exhibition, delicious food, wine, live music, children’s activities and a program of free talks and demonstrations there is fun for the entire family.
The annual prizes were announced at the 11 October opening:
Winner of the $30,000 SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN & MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL PRIZE
Vlasé Nikoleski: Inland Jetty.
Crafted from marine-grade stainless steel and reinforced concrete, this striking sculpture captures the essence of the Australian landscape – evoking the illusion of a shimmering horizon where land meets sky.
“From experiencing a sun-struck landscape with its wavy heat vapour in the distance, Inland Jetty is a memento of water, and simultaneously, a lack of water.”
The $30,000 Sculptures in the Garden and Mid-Western Regional Council Prize recognises the most outstanding large-scale work in the exhibition.
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Winner of the $10,000 FERNSIDE ACQUISITION PRIZE
Alex Scheibner: The Unfulfilled.
“Rosby Sculptures in the Garden offers the perfect setting to show large-scale, outdoor works, and winning the Fernside Pastoral Company prize this year was a great honour — it definitely encourages my quest for scale,” said Scheibner.
He added, “We’re very fortunate to have SIG in our region and to have such fantastic support from the likes of Susan Rothwell and David Handley. It’s great for artists and for the region — growing the public art collection and attracting visitors that support local businesses and our community.”
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SIG25 Sensory Sculpture Prize Winner
The Sculptor’s Society Sensory Sculpture Prize Touch Words by Fe Heffernan (Elizabeth Bay, NSW).
“Winning the sensory prize for a sculpture that incorporates Braille and allows people with dementia or sight issues to physically engage with the artwork is deeply meaningful — both personally and as an acknowledgment of the broader mission to make art more accessible,” said Heffernan.
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Winner of the $10,000 FRIENDS OF SCULPTURES IN THE GARDEN ACQUISITION PRIZE
Rhonda Castle: Lania.
Lania stands as a sentinel of transformation, evoking a deep sense of place and memory — a reflection on landmark and lineage. Its weathered surface and earthy tones speak to the passage of time, inviting viewers to pause, observe, and connect in quiet contemplation.
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Winner of the $5,000 BUCHANAN MUDGEE HOSPITAL PRIZE
Emma Ferris Twinkling Journey.
This captivating work, with its dynamic arrangement of RHS metal, symbolises the many paths we take in life — celebrating both the journey and the destination. Twinkling Journey invites reflection, wonder, and connection as viewers navigate their own paths through the world.
The sculpture will soon be proudly displayed as part of the Mudgee Hospital public art collection, continuing its mission to bring art and inspiration into community spaces.
Supported by Kate & Andrew Buchanan.
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Winner of the MUDGEE REGIONAL TOURISM SMALL SCULPTURE PRIZE
The inaugural $2,000 Mudgee Regional Tourism Small Sculpture Prize has been awarded to Nigel White (Mudgee, NSW): Ponytail.
Measuring just 9cm x 1cm x 5cm, this intricate piece was inspired by the knight from a chess board — proving that small things truly deliver big impact.
Judged by Beau Kassas, Rebecca Quilty, and Cameron Anderson, this new category celebrates the beauty and precision of small-scale sculpture.
Highly Commended:
• In Two Minds by Mary Boland (bronze & wood) @kaliningeorgiyama
• Herman by Tobias Hynes (natural shell & repurposed stainless steel) @valleysculpture
• Weighted by Nicole O’Regan (stone & steel) @nic_oregan_sculptor
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CAMERON ANDERSON ARCHITECTS PRIZE FOR ARTISTIC MERIT
Carl & Eden Plaisted: Novus.
“We are both honoured and humbled to receive the Cameron Anderson Architects Artistic Merit Prize this year. Being a part of this amazing annual event is a great privilege. The opportunities and exposure it gives artists to showcase their works is truly incredible,” they said.
This year’s selection committee included David Handley AM (Founder, Sculpture by the Sea), Susan Rothwell AM (Architect & Contemporary Artist), Sam Paine (Journalist & Artist), and Cameron Anderson (Local Architect).
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Open daily 10am-4pm to 26 October. Tickets $5. Visit the website.
On site demonstrations still to come: 18-19 October sandstone carving. 25-26 October stone sculpting.
Sculptures in the Garden – Inspiring Garden Sculptures in Sydney and Australia
IMAGE: Vlasé Nikoleski: Inland Jetty. / Sculptures in the Garden
