Spring Festival Features Sculpture Among the Tulips

Wellington Botanic Garden’s renowned tulip display has an exciting new dimension this year with the Spring Festival Sculpture Showcase exhibition.


Sixteen mixed media works by artists from the lower North Island and top of the South Island are on display among the tulips throughout this year's Spring Festival, which started on Sunday and finishes on Sunday 7 October.

Steel, wood, stone and willow feature in the exhibition, which includes works by Wellington sculptor Johnny Turner as well as Tim Wraight, Bob Stewart, Sean Crawford, Renate Verbrugge, Mike Heerey, Don DeMacedo, Jocelyn Pratt and Rory McDougall. All the works are for sale.

Works range from Stewart's meditation on spring, For Spring and Lazarus, in stone, cast iron and stainless steel to McDougall's bold steel globe entitled Habeas Corpus, his commentary on "the unlawful detention of enemy combatants at the US detention centre at Guantanamo Bay naval base".

Nelson artist Tim Wraight has used recycled totara to produce his work or ‘artefact' titled Kakariki. The tall, carved pole explores different layers over time and uses. His work contrasts with La Flamande Rose in Brazilian pink rose quartzite by Renate Verbrugge, which continues her current theme of female sensuality.

Wellington City Council's Acting Manager of Natural and Botanic Areas, David Sole, says the works look fantastic among the tulips.

"Garden visitors should also check out the garden behind the Sound Shell just inside the main entrance, where a cloak has been created from plants in the latest of a series of innovative gardens on this site," he says. "The garden's designers, Boffa Miskell Ltd, have incorporated the traditional textures and patterns of three iconic garments – the korowai (Maori cloak), the traditional checked Swanndri and the distinctive gold and black Hurricanes rugby jersey."

The annual Spring Festival is the perfect opportunity to see the Botanic Garden at its most colourful and includes more than 40 events and activities. Children take centre-stage as the festival runs throughout the school holidays but there is something for everyone.

Most events are free, though some are entry by donation or have a small charge, and bookings are required in some cases. Full details are available at www.Wellington.govt.nz  or in brochures available from libraries or by phoning 499 4444.