Artisans in The Gardens 2016

Post

Subscribe

I love wandering around Sydney, especially the Royal Botanic Gardens. One of my favourite events is the annual Artisans in the Gardens . If you love Contemporary Art, Sculptures, Ceramics, Textiles, Bespoke Home-wares and Jewellery, then you will love this exhibition. Held annually in October each year, this article shows the exhibition in 2015. The 2016 exhibition will be held 15 October - 23 October.



The Royal Botanic Gardens is undeniably one of Sydney's most beautiful gardens and was a perfect setting for the exhibition.




Lion Gate Lodge built in 1878 is the ideal setting for art exhibitions. The lovely Victorian sandstone cottage offers a beautiful outdoor garden space and two floors of rooms for exhibits. Each year The Artisans in the Gardens, curated by Julieanne Mills showcases work from over 50 emerging and established Australian artists and craftspeople.


This fantastic exhibition is organised by the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens . Outside I found cast bronze garden sculptures, beautiful bird baths, wooden carvings, interesting animal and bird figurines.

In 2015, Artist Michael Purdy's displayed his carved sandstone bowls, Adam Rish specialised in the beautiful quirky wooden carvings and the exquisite bird baths and cast bronze sculptures were by Annie Herron.




The garden was filled with colourful lifelike ceramic birds based on Australian native species by Linda Davy and the dinosaur footed ceramic chickens of Jackie Lallemand. Other fabulous sculptures featured throughout the garden.





Clever sculptures of animals, especially the dogs featured here and there. I was tempted to buy one.



Imaginative bird baths were also a popular feature in the outdoor garden area. If I had a garden I would love to see some local bird life enjoying a bath in one.




Inside the rooms were displays of exquisite blown glass works and bespoke home-wares. Also a beautiful array of hand-made Jewellery made with precious stones, metals and recycled elements - drawing their designs from the botanical environment.



I was drawn to the intricate workmanship of the textile displays, in particular the framed works.




The upper level of the Lion Gate Lodge displayed more beautiful works of art. Bespoke homewares; hand painted porcelain of Niharika Hukku and Frances Smith, new stoneware plates, bowls and platters by Katherine Mahoney and hand printed linen by Freedom Wilson. The 2015 exhibition showcased natural jewellery using gum nuts, precious stones and metals designed by Melinda Young. Wall hangings by Michelle Kelly, hand painted metal flowers by Zoe Grigoris.



The Artisan in the Gardens 2015 proved to be a fantastic exhibition and I have no doubt that the 2016 exhibition will just as fabulous if not better.

This is a wonderful exhibition and also ideal for finding special gifts. All proceeds go towards supporting the Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens.

If you happen to also be an Artist you can download a form to apply to exhibit your work in the next Artisans in the Gardens being held on 15 October until 23 October 2016. Send your contact details and any enquiries to: [email protected] or call Foundation and Friends of the Botanic Gardens on 02 9231 8182. They will send you an information pack and application form with details of upcoming application deadlines.

Otherwise make sure you keep in touch with the Foundation and Friends via their website or join the Artisans in The Gardens Facebook Page to find out what date in October 2016.

Parking Tip:
You can park at the Domain Car Park and walk up towards the Art Gallery in the Royal Botanic Gardens. On the weekends the parking is a flat rate of $10.00 all day.

#things_to_see
#city
#cbd
#sydney
#nsw
#new_south_wales
#gardens
#free
#exhibitions
#art_and_craft_centres
#art
#october
%wnsydney