Philippa Graham OAM (Myers, 1969)

If there is one event that you need in your diary for school holidays this year it is Sculpture on the Farm in Dungog. The exhibition, to be held on the October long weekend, is a must-see for art lovers and enthusiasts. Sculpture on the Farm was founded by Philippa Graham (Myers, 1969), who received in 2022 a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the creative arts, particularly as a sculptor. Committed to creating projects that build and nurture community, Sculpture on the Farm is all about participation in and understanding of the arts, for people of all ages.

The exhibition is held on stunning Gringai Country nestled amongst the rolling hills at “Fosterton”, Philippa and John Graham’s cattle farm just outside Dungog town.

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John and Philippa Graham at the 2019 Sculpture on the Farm exhibition with prize-winner Hugh McLachlan and his work “Narcissus Reflecting”

Photo credit: Mary McLachlan

With a diverse range of styles and mediums on display in over 100 sculptures, this year’s exhibition will showcase the talent and creativity of established and emerging artists from all over Australia. Visitors will enjoy indoor works as well as wandering into the paddocks, and rambling through the garden to admire artworks scattered across the grounds. Up to $60,000 in prizes will be awarded for excellence in metal, timber, and stone works, for innovation, for indoor and outdoor works as well as a prize for a local artist. The community-engagement focus of the exhibition is highlighted by a number of acquisitive prizes – this year there will be three major sculptures selected for permanent public display in the Dungog region.

2018 acquisitive prize Braddon Snape’s Nothin’ but Sky now installed at Lioness Park, Dungog

Photo credit: David Oliver

The event also boasts live music, people’s choice awards, and artist talks and tours giving visitors the chance to learn about the creative processes and techniques used by the sculptors.

A holiday in Dungog and the region can be easily filled with activities for the whole family – bike trails and bush walks at the Dungog Common, a local brewery, grower’s markets, boutiques, cafes and more.

Pymble has a host of successful artists in its alumnae ranks including Sue Sharpe (Thomson, 1964),  the late Kerrie Lester (1971), Christine Webb (Grieve, 1972), Cathy Shugg (1980), Cathy Lane (1981), Heather Versteeg (Fernon, 1983), Clare Brodie (Self, 1986), Fiona Galbraith (1997), Philippa’s daughter Pennie Pomroy (Graham, 1997), Amber Rogers (2002) and Rebekah Jackson (Stanley, 2004). All sculptors amongst Pymble students, alumnae and the school community are encouraged to apply to be a part of the exhibition with applications closing 1 July 2023.

This year’s Sculpture on the Farm will be held over the long weekend Saturday 30 September to Monday 2 October with a preview and gala opening on Friday 29 September. Dungog is approximately 3 hours north of Sydney. Weekend entry to the exhibition is $5 and free for children. Tickets for the preview and gala opening will be available mid-year.

Philippa is of course really excited for this year’s event: “It will be great to see some of Australia’s leading sculptors again on the farm at Dungog. And this year, I am especially looking forward to unveiling a surprise installation in our tractor shed.”

Sculpture on the Farm is a wonderful celebration of art and community – not to be missed! Scan the QR code or visit www.sculptureonthefarm.com for all the details.