Myth and culture come to life at 2014 UWS Sculpture Awards

A half man, half wookie existing on the fringe of myth and culture, and a woven 90 kilogram Hive which portrays the centre of activity and community, are just some of the inspiring sculptures on display in the University of Western Sydney's 2014 Sculpture Award and Exhibition.

The outdoor sculpture display features the major works of 20 finalists which have been specifically designed to suit the picturesque parkland of rolling hills, lakes, woodlands and large vistas of open space at the UWS Campbelltown Campus.

UWS Art Curator Monica McMahon says the display marks the exhibition's 10th anniversary with an outstanding festivity of artwork from a living carbon sink pavilion, a floating tent city on one of the lakes and a fifty metre carpet of ceramic orbs cascading down the hillside.

"The growing reputation of the UWS prize has seen many artists from Australia create impressive sculptural works, with the specific motivation of complementing the university landscape," says Ms McMahon.

"Artworks set in nature differ from those set in a gallery because the location itself provides a context, and in many cases an extension, of the artwork."

During the month of May, UWS invites the public to stroll around the exhibit, bring a picnic lunch, photograph the artworks and cast a vote for their favourite sculpture in the UrbanGrowth Peoples' Choice Award.  

Families are especially invited to the Mother's Day Picnic on Sunday the 11th May, when parking will be free.

There are four awards on offer this year; the UWS Acquisitive and UrbanGrowth Awards, valued up to $30,000, the $5,000 UrbanGrowth People's Choice Award, and the $5,000 Janice Reid Emerging Artist Award.

The UWS winning entry will be permanently installed on the UWS Campbelltown campus, as was the 2012 winner New Arrivals by Louisa Dawson.

An education kit is available for schools, and school and community groups are most welcome to book into an artist or curator's talk during the exhibition.

The University of Western Sydney is pleased to announce the 2014 UWS Sculpture Award and Exhibition Finalists:

• Bronwyn Berman
• Liz Bradshaw
• Sarah Hicks and Bonnie Green
• Hilde A Danielsen
• Matt Godden
• Amanda Hale and Karen Farrell
• Sally Kidall
• Chris Leaver
• Ludwig Mlcek
• Denese Oates
• Flossie Peitsch
• John Petrie
• Michael Purdy
• Tanya Alexandra Richards
• Morgan Shimeld
• Christine Simpson
• Vanessa Stanley
• Elyssa Sykes-Smith
• Greer Taylor
• Terrence Wright

WHERE: UWS Campbelltown Campus, Narellan Rd, Campbelltown
HOURS: Monday- Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm / Saturday-Sunday 10:00am- 4:00pm
PARKING: $7.00 per day