Bay set for sculptures

Dunsborough’s foreshore is preparing to transform into a free sculpture park from March 4-6 as part of the annual Sculpture by the Bay.

This year’s event has attracted a range of new and returning artists from across the State, who are putting the finishing touches on their works ahead of the exhibition’s opening.

Local artist Chris Harding looked to water for inspiration for his work, Ripples on the Waterhole.

“There are few opportunities for artists to bring their work to the public in a temporary outdoor exhibition and I am very excited to be submitting a piece again this year,” he said.

“For a small community to organise an event of this quality shows great leadership and it is appreciated by the artists.”

As part of the Dunsborough Arts Festival, Sculpture by the Bay is now in its eighth year, and founding committee member Nita Pratt said the event and quality of work had continued to grow since the exhibition’s inception.

The Arts Festival, organised by the volunteers of the Dunsborough and Districts Progress Association, will involve a variety of events over the Saturday and Sunday of the long weekend.

Adding to festivities is a performance by local group Midnight Soul, who will be preceded by Battle of the Bands finalist Amber Van Roy, a talented classical guitarist studying at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

“We are really proud to have her along as our ‘settle down and start the evening relaxing’ act,” co-ordinator Jacquie Happ said.

“We are also really happy to have Peko Peko cooking up delicious gyoza — Japanese dumplings, which will accompany local wines — definitely no BYO because all the sale of alcohol will go towards the running of the festival.”

An art market, concerts and films with free art activities are themed to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Sugito-Busselton Sister City Relationship.

The sculptures will be on display on March 4, 5 and 6, with the opening and awards presentation on the Saturday at 9.15am.

Look for the event program in the Times.