We’re thrilled to join forces with Pt Leo Estate and McClelland Sculpture Park to celebrate International Sculpture Day on Saturday 29th April. This coincides with the conclusion of the 2022 Sculpture Prize Exhibition on Sunday 30th April.
United by a shared passion for creativity on the Peninsula, these leading open air art spaces have cultivated unique collections that illuminate a beautiful unity between sculpture and nature.
“In our 20th consecutive year of presenting sculpture amongst the vines and wetlands at Montalto, we are proud to showcase our permanent collection of 35 artworks, alongside the 23 Sculpture Prize 2022 finalists."
International Sculpture Day is an opportunity to bring to focus the creativity and skill of our local, national and international artists and applaud their creations. This year we have partnered with McClelland Sculpture Park and Pt Leo Estate to further increase awareness of the incredible array of sculptures that can be seen across our three properties. Visit all three and discover why the Mornington Peninsula is the go-to destination for viewing sculpture in Australia." Neil Williams, Creative Director, Sculpture, Montalto.
Sculpture is an integral part of life at Montalto and a highlight of any visit to the estate. The Montalto Sculpture Trail is an enjoyable 1km stroll and meanders over grassy lawns and gravel pathways, through vines and wetland boardwalks.
The Montalto Sculpture Trail is open 7 days, from 11am – 5pm and is free to enjoy for all visitors to our estate.
Don’t forget to cast your vote for your favourite sculpture from the 2022 finalists. The People’s Choice Award will be announced across our socials on once the votes have been tallied.
"How quickly 20 years pass but here we are. Like so many activities at Montalto, the introduction of sculpture to our landscape is a passion and a joy to be shared by all who visit us in Red Hill.
In late 2001, we came across a sculpture exhibition in the artist's centre at Gasworks in Port Melbourne that included an 11-piece installation by Jason Waterhouse. The works reminded us of the built form under construction at Red Hill, a perfect inclusion in the landscape.
We acquired the works and set about an installation at the entrance, in the restaurant foreground, then drawing visitors into the estate through walking trails. Visitors with a passion for the arts (Andrew Rogers, noted sculptor, in particular) shared our view that we had an amazing canvas which artists could feature their talents for all to enjoy. The Montalto Sculpture Prize was established that year, in 2002.
Over 500 works have displayed throughout the last 20 years with an impressive 34 permanent sculptures now in situ. We are proud to have one of the longest continually running, annual acquisitive sculpture exhibitions in Australia.
Landscape, wine, food and the arts live in perfect harmony for all to experience and enjoy. Our deep appreciation and thanks to the artists, and the arts community, for such a wonderful journey.
Fellow travellers on this journey who have brought skill, passion and friendship include Neil Williams, our Creative Director, who has managed and curated every exhibition throughout the last 20 years, Peter Williams and Phillip Doggett-Williams who have been trusted judges for 20 years and Brian Sadgrove who has been with us for 15 years. We thank them all.
We invite you to enjoy this 20-year celebration, and International Sculpture Day, with us and our friends at Pt Leo Estate and McClelland Sculpture Park” ~ John Mitchell.
Make International Sculpture Day a day of discovery across this Mornington Peninsula Arts and Culture trail, from Langwarrin to Merricks and Red Hill South.
