Sculptures in the Grass – Debut in Tambo

Tambo’s newest arts event, Sculptures in the Grass, officially opened on Sunday 14 June, with a strong crowd gathering at the Tambo Dam to celebrate the launch of the town’s first outdoor sculpture exhibition.

Officially opened by Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Mayor Andrew Martin, the inaugural exhibition has transformed the dam into an open-air gallery.

The concept for Sculptures in the Grass began as a Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) initiative, with Committee member and local sculptor, Pip Fearon, looking for a way to highlight Tambo’s public spaces and unique character through art.

The concept was embraced by the Tambo Arts Council, which established a sub-committee to develop the project and align it with the annual Grassland Art Prize.

“The exhibition is really a win-win,” Pip said. “It encourages locals to throw their hat in the ring and have a go, while also giving visitors another reason to stop, explore and enjoy Tambo.”

The exhibition also has a long-term vision. The two acquisition prize-winning sculptures will remain in Tambo, gradually building a permanent sculpture trail that complements existing public artworks such as the Wild and Woolly Truck.

“We hope this biennial exhibition becomes a much-loved event in our community. It links in with Roma’s Sculptures Outback, the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail and Muttaburra’s Sculpture Festival, so hopefully it gains a following and attracts visitors to our region for years to come.”

The inaugural exhibition attracted eight entries across two categories, including strong local representation, with three Tambo artists exhibiting works and a fourth entrant having strong local connections.

Although judge Kyle Mansfield, a self-taught sculptor from Mitchell, was unable to attend due to prior commitments, he provided detailed comments on the winning entries. Mansfield is well known for his large-scale sculptures created from recycled metal and has exhibited at Roma’s Sculptures Outback. His sculpture Real Steel, a life-sized saddle bronc horse and rider constructed from horseshoes, won the People’s Choice Award at Sculptures Outback in 2023.

The first award presented was the Local Artist Award, sponsored by the Tambo Arts Council, which went to Bruce Hubbard for Mid-West Chopper.

The Emerging Artist Award was awarded to Lachlin Iland for Bits and Bounces.

The Grassland Art Gallery Acquisition Prize, sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions, was awarded to Joanne Taylor for her sculpture Quirky Chook.

In his comments, Mansfield said the work immediately captured his attention. “I was really taken by this piece. It captured my attention immediately with its composition and presence,” he said. “Her (Quirky Chook) gaze locked onto me and there was a calculating look in her eye as though she was considering when to strike.”

The Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Acquisition Prize, sponsored by Yarrawonga Cattle Co, was awarded to Guy Humphries, better known locally as Slim, for his entry Tambo B&S Busted Ute.

Mansfield said the winning work stood out for its storytelling and strong visual impact. “It was really hard to choose, but this year’s winning sculpture rewards viewers from multiple perspectives, maintaining a really strong presence in the space it holds,” he said.

Pip and her committee congratulated all artists who entered works in the inaugural exhibition and thanked the community for embracing the new event.

“We appreciate the support of every artist who entered and love the variety of sculptures on display,”

Sculptures in the Grass will remain on display until 12 October 2026, giving locals and visitors plenty of opportunity to enjoy the works. All sculptures, excluding the two acquisition prize winners, are available for purchase throughout the exhibition.

The Tambo Arts Council extended its gratitude to the exhibition’s major sponsors,  Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, RADF, Yarrawonga Cattle Co and Nutrien Ag Solutions, as well as the many businesses, organisations and individuals who donated materials, products, services and countless volunteer hours.

“This inaugural exhibition is a testament to community spirit,” Pip said. “It would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, volunteers and local community.”