Calling all Sculptors
Have you begun crafting your next piece for the next Kimbolton Sculpture Festival on the 5th April 2025?
If you're still conceptualizing your next awe-inspiring work, consider this a nudge to transition from thought to action in your workshop.
With just over six months until the festival, starting now on a remarkable creation could enhance your chances of clinching the top prize.
Ensure your spot by registering on our website and seize this exceptional chance!
P.S. Please share this post on to any other sculptor you think may be interested in entering the awards.
Art exhibition registrations are now open for the 2025 festival
The art exhibition stands out as a highlight among the festival's attractions. Join us in a celebration of creativity at the 2025 art exhibition. Showcase your artistic talents and interact with fellow artists in a vibrant showcase of diverse artworks.
We encourage you to immerse yourself in the festival. Accept our invitation to make the leap from spectator to participant, actively delving into your artistic interests, whether it be painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital art, mixed media, textile arts, embroidery, weaving, felting, macrame, batik, or any other visual art form.
You may also walk away with a sale of your artwork.
Confirm your participation by registering on the Artists Registration Page on the ruralart.nz website
Registrations of interest close 1st March 2025
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity!
Application for Demonstration sites for the 2025 festival are now open
Do you have a particular craft or talent you'd like to share?
The demonstration area is one of the main attractions at the festival. We invite you to showcase your skills and creativity to an appreciative audience.
We're looking for participants to give live demonstrations in blacksmithing, woodworking, sculpture creation, painting, sketching, carving, glassblowing, chainsaw art, weaving, spinning, felting, jewellery making, heritage skills, or any other artistic craft.
Go to our the Demonstration Sites page on the ruralart.nz website for more information
Applications for Stallholder sites for the 2025 festival are now open
Register your interest in obtaining a stallholder site before 15th November by going to the Stallholder Registration page on the ruralart.nz website
5th April 2025 set for the next Kimbolton Sculpture Festival
With two years to the next festival now is the time to start creating something special that will wow the judges.
In the meantime the Kimbolton Arts & Sculpture Trustees will be working hard to improve your experience and features of the festival and on other projects in and around Kimbolton.
If you know of any businesses or individuals who would like to sponsor an award with cash or products please let them know about our festival.
2023 Kimbolton Sculpture Festival Roundup
It all begins with an idea.
The 2023 Kimbolton Sculpture Festival is all done and dusted for another year and what a fantastic event it was.
Around 4,500 people from Wellington to Whangarei were wowed by the 104 awesome sculptures, 49 art works, the variety of the 150 craft stalls, the unique farm inspired children’s activities, the local music talent, Palmerston North Boys High School Band parade and Manawatu Pipe Band parade, Mustang car parade, vintage cars, family entertainment and the many varied food outlets.
Regan Cooper’s Terrybull was a well-deserved winner of the NZ Rural Sculpture Award and the People’s Choice Award as well as selling his sculpture at the live auction.
Visitors to the festival decided that they liked the look of 22 sculptures so much, that they purchased them. In addition 11 works of art sold during the day.
The Trust would be keen to see how these sculptures look in their new homes, if the owners would like to share a photo.
2023 Award Winners
It all begins with an idea.
The NZ Rural Sculpture Award: $5,000.
Sponsored by Hynds Pipe Systems.
Winner ‘Terrybull’ by Regan Cooper.
Description - Terry the Bull, charging through the obstacles of the hard times our Rural Farmers struggle with. From floods, finance, drought to fuel tax farmers get hit with it all. He stands strong.
Made from Recycled Tyres - another use for them (not just silage pits).
The NZ Rural Sculpture Runner Up: $1000.
Sponsored by Rural and Lifestyle Sales
Runner Up ‘Mother of Nature’ by Pam Corpe
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture Award: $2000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust.
Winner ‘Taming the Dog’ by Tony Waugh
Description - I had a black dog, his name was, "Depression". Whenever the black dog made an appearance, I felt empty and life just seemed to slow down, he could surprise me with a visit for no reason or occasion. When the rest of the world seemed to be enjoying life, I could only see it through the black dog.
Just like a real dog, depression needs to be understood, taught new tricks, and ultimately brought to heel. Through knowledge, patience, discipline and humour the worst black dog can be made to heel.
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture
The NZ Creative Cocky Sculpture Award Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by Bromleys Dairy & Pumps
Runner Up ‘Heroplane’ by Glenn Murray
The NZ Rural Sculpture Open Award: $2000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust
Winner ‘Apollo the Octopus’ by Jasmine Creighton
Description - Apollo the Octopus is made of recycled copper wire from broken machinery. Apollo symbolizes strength and resilience. Like the octopus, we can thrive in challenging environments.
Apollo also illustrates the importance of mental health and connection. Wires are crocheted together forming one whole, representing community support. Farmers face unique challenges that impact mental health, which is why community support is essential. Everyone has a unique perspective, so in coming together to support one another, our voices can be immensely helpful.
Apollo exemplifies how art can convey powerful messages about solidarity. We are never alone in our struggles.
The NZ Rural Sculpture Open Runner Up Award: $500.
Sponsored by My Plumbing depot
Runner Up ‘Roaring stag’ by Alan Coleman
The NZ Rural Small Sculpture Award: $1000
Sponsored by Central Energy Trust
Winner ‘Errol’ by David Jensen.
Description - Errol is a bit of a rebel with Yamaha tattoos on his wings to create his own identity.
Errol is a new age owl made from a motorbike fuel tank, hand cut copper leaves, a wooden chest, and steel frame. Many, many hours were taken to carefully craft Errol to the Owl you see here today.
The mix of materials is a reflection on our land and all the materials needed to do our daily grind.
The NZ Rural Small Sculpture Award Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by AllanMcNeill
Runner Up ‘The Ennead’ by Greg Tuthilll
The Local Yokel Sculptor Award: $1,000.
Sponsored by Inspirenet
Winner ‘The Big Appe’ by David Jensen
Description - Crisp and sweet, round and plump.
A juicy apple found at once.
Bite it slow, hear the crunch
Juice drips down, a taste of lunch.
Nature's snack, no need to peel.
A snack that's hearty and healthy, a meal that's ideal.
A fiber-filled snack, it's said to be.
A tasty treat, that's healthy for me.
So give it a bite. Every farmer knows an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Months of chainsaw carving away to get the perfect bite they say.
The Local Yokel Sculptor Awards Runner Up: $500.
Sponsored by Tim McColl Contracting Ltd
Runner Up ‘In a nutshell, it’s life or death’ by Maggie Duff
Give it a go award: $300
Sponsored by Manawatu Spreaders
Winner ‘Spirited’ by The Wine Barrel Guy
Description - This sculpture is made up of 16 spirit barrel staves, with each one steam bent into a parabolic curve, then arranged opposite each other to form the main body of the sculpture. It then sits on two railway sleepers to complete the sculpture.
Everything except hardware i.e. screws & bolts, the sculpture is totally made from repurposed items.
Manufacturers & Engineers Challenge Award: $500
Sponsored by FIL
Winner ‘ToeKnee the Conie’ Manawatu Traffic Solutions
People’s Choice Award: $1,000
Sponsored by Allpoints Camping NZ
Winner ‘Terrybull’ Regan Cooper
Youth Awards
Primary School Students Years 1-2: Winner $200.
Winner ‘Tahi The Tiki’ by Luke Williams
Primary School Students Years 3-5: 1st $200 2nd $100.
Winner ‘The Old Sparkly Woolshed’ by Amelia Stack
Runner Up ‘Hermione The Highland Cow’ by Zoe Williams
Primary School Students Years 6-8: 1st $200 2nd $100.