Record numbers at sculpture exhibition

Media release week – 1
12 February, 2013

FINAL WEEK FOR WAIHEKE BIENNIAL
Sculpture exhibition draws big crowds

More than 30,000 people have walked Waiheke Island’s headland 2013 Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition leading in to its final week.

The celebrated biennial event this year features new attractions such reversing the direction of the walk and the inclusion of a large marquee complex on the foreshore at Matiatia.

headland Sculpture on the Gulf project manager Nicky Cairns says visitors to the 30-strong sculpture exhibition have enjoyed superb summer weather.

“The weather, combined with two public holidays, has boosted attendance,” she says. “With the forecast for sunshine to continue in the coming weekend - and a special Valentine’s Day dinner on the 14th – we’re confident of a boomer year.”

Ms Cairns says for an extra special Valentine’s Day visitors can come to beautiful Waiheke Island for a candle lit dinner at the Sculpture on the Gulf Pavilion.

“In celebration of the special occasion, the menu features oysters and our very own Waiheke Batch bubbly at a special price. And if you write a short poem for your beloved you could win one of four special edition Ecoya candles and red roses.

“Leave the hustle and bustle behind you, do the sculpture walk first and then enjoy a fabulous romantic dinner to the live sounds of Black Sand Diva,” Ms Cairns says.

Many of the exhibition sculptures have already sold with a top price so far of $75,000 paid for David McCracken’s Portrait of Traction & Transmission.

And visitors have the opportunity to select their own favourite sculpture with the winner of the $5,000 Fullers People’s Choice Award being announced at the conclusion of the event on February 17.

The sculptures grace the shoreline and hills on an easy 2.5 km walk that takes in some of the most spectacular of Waiheke Island’s views and landscapes. Visitors walk the trail, largely downhill, to Matiatia Bay.

Sculptures sold
• Christian Nicholson 'Look Darling its Tom and Nancy' sold for $12,000
• David McCracken 'Portrait of Traction and Transmission' sold for $75,000
• Matt Akehurst 'Viewpoint' sold for $5,000
• One of Nic Moon's 'Breath' Sculptures sold for $15,000 to Waiheke Local Board for the community.
• Sarah Brills 'Wildfire' is selling like wildfire in 20 stem lots.
• More than half the small sculptures in the Pavilion Gallery have sold.

Entertainment schedule for final week

• Thursday 14 Feb: Black Sand Diva 6-10pm
• Friday 15 Feb: Mano Pratt 12-2pm; SoulSista Aotearoa 6pm; DJ Chica
• Saturday 16 Feb: Josh Leys 12-2pm; The Buzz Bars 2pm-4pm; Edwina Thorne; The Buzz Bars & DJ Chica Licorica 6pm-late
• Sunday 17 Feb: Briar Ross 1-2; Mojo Risers 2 -4 evening closed for final function

About headland Sculpture on the Gulf
headland Sculpture on the Gulf was established in 2003 by the Waiheke Community Art Gallery, and quickly became New Zealand’s premier outdoor sculpture exhibition. The biennial event features 30 major sculptures along a spectacular 2.5 kilometre coastal walk above Matiatia Bay on Waiheke Island and attracts visitors from around New Zealand and overseas. More than 32,000 people attended the free, three-week event in 2011. headland Sculpture on the Gulf runs from 25 January to 17 February 2013 and marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of the event.

www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz
facebook.com/SculptureontheGulf

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