As Sculptures in the Garden nears a decade of age, it furthered its reputation as one of the country's leading exhibitions, with thousands heading to Rosby last weekend to view over 270 pieces.
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Over 3,000 people passed through the gates on Saturday and Sunday - the takings of which, along with the catering, go to the Mudgee Support Group of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT - and 40 per cent of the works sold.
And with the event set to reach 10 years in 2020, SIG founder and curator Kay Norton-Knight, said the exhibition is already looking good for next year - with visitors glowing in their reviews of the local region.
"It was amazing, the support from the locals and the schools [for SIG for Kids] is just unbelievable, and a lot of visitors were here as well - many people from Sydney and Western NSW," she said.
"All of the artists stayed the weekend, we encourage that, so they all spent their money in the region. And they all loved Mudgee, they're all coming back, so the district benefits.
"There'll be some wonderful works for next year, people are thinking of what they're making and we're really excited about it already.
"The Council bought some wonderful sculptures for Lawson Park West, they're choosing something a little bit different to what they've already got in the park.
"And the school section - which all the local schools in the district contributed to - was amazing, they're the best artists because they have no preconceived ideas of how something should look."
Among those making their SIG debut was Tasmanian artist Hugh McLachlan.
Trained as gold/silver smith, he predominantly made jewelry over the years, which he said "is small-scale, 3D complex shapes - so they're pretty much miniature sculptures". He has since decided to indulge his interest in larger shapes and forms.
Hugh and wife Mary included the local event in their road-trip of the mainland, which was the first time "we've ventured this far afield".
"This is the first time here, but it's a well-known sculpture exhibition though amongst the shows that are on. It's certainly on the map," he said.
The aforementioned local sculpture walk will grow next year by three more pieces.
Proceeds from the weekend exhibition are used to purchase public art for Lawson Park, in the joint venture with Mid-Western Regional Council.
- More photos here.