A day at Sculpture in the Paddock
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When it comes to making the trip to Murrumbateman, it doesn’t take much to twist my arm.
Make the scenic 40-minute journey down the Barton Highway and you’ll find yourself in food and wine heaven: picturesque award-winning vineyards, luscious produce, great coffee, incredible cafes and restaurants…
And a paddock full of sculptures.
Sculpture in the Paddock (SinP) has been a fixture on the Yass Valley spring calendar since its inception in 2013 with the event traditionally held at Cooma Cottage. This year, however, sees the sculptures in a new setting, sprawled across a 50-acre paddock on Shaw Vineyard Estate in Murrumbateman.
Here’s how to make a day of it.
The Sculptures
The works themselves are the major highlight of the event. The collection features over 40 sculptures from local and internationall renowned artists, ranging from the political to the abstract, geometric to celebratory.
Take your time as you walk through the paddock, guidebook in hand. Whether you’re a sculpture enthusiast or simply looking for an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon, there really is something for everyone to appreciate.
It’s rare to access public art on this scale, and it’s the perfect opportunity for a family day out—while SinP respectfully request that most sculptures go untouched, there are a number of interactive displays that are sure to be a hit with the kids, including a ‘hamster-like’ wheel experience and an interactive ‘news machine’ from local artist Roger Buckman.
The Schools Program
With a $15,000 prize being awarded to this year’s winner, Sculpture in the Paddock has attracted some incredibly high-quality entrants and well respected sculptors. That being said, SinP isn’t just about established artists—there’s also a focus on emerging talent, including the next generation of sculptors.
Since 2015, Sculpture in the Paddock founder and local sculptor Al Phemister has worked with local school students across the Yass Valley to nurture young talent and teach children about sculpture. This year, students visited the Sculpture Garden at the National Art Gallery in the company of successful artists and have participated in workshops and tutoring on their own sculptural works.
After you’ve admired the main paddock, be sure to visit the marquee near the cellar door carpark where the student’s work is being showcased.
Olleyville Restaurant
Let me tell you that by the time you’ve made the journey around the paddock, you’ll have also worked up an appetite. From Wednesday to Sunday, book in for lunch at the Olleyville Restaurant and be treated to a menu of rustic share plates featuring local farm produce.
Whether you select your own Olleyville Board to share, or indulge in feasts from the wood oven, the knowledgeable team will help you select the perfect cool climate drop to accompany your meal.
If you haven’t managed to snag a booking, or are looking for something a bit more casual, head to the top of the paddock where on the weekend you’ll find delicious food options as well as Shaw wines available. Sit back, enjoy the live music and take in the stunning views.
Shaw Cellar Door
To be perfectly honest, the brand-new cellar door alone is worth the trip. Forget queuing up at the bar for a quick tasting—the layout of the newly-constructed space means that there’s a separate area for group bookings, plenty of tables for couples and families, and a lounge area with a fireplace.
Have your wine brought to you in your own time, poured and explained in detail by expert staff. The cheese platters are utterly divine and feature local produce—and with exquisite views of the estate from the cellar door, there’s no better place to unwind and enjoy some of the best of the region’s offerings.
Want to make a weekend of it?
Now is the perfect time to visit the Yass Valley. This weekend, you can double up and enjoy Sculpture in the Paddock and the Murrumbateman Moving Feast. If a girls’ weekend is more your thing, there are plenty of ways to get together and explore the region. We’ve also put together the perfect 48-hour Murrumbateman itinerary for you, as well as a guide to exploring Yass a la the Queer Eye squad.
The essentials
What: Sculpture in the Paddock 2018
Where: Shaw Vineyard Estate, 34 Isabel Drive, Murrumbateman
When: 10am to 5pm until 7 October 2018
Book: sculptureinthepaddock.com.au
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