A sculptural experience: Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden

Looking for something inspiring, uplifting, and relaxing? Put Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden’s Annual Autumn Exhibition on your calendar.

Held during the first three weekends of March, the exhibition draws a range of people. From art lovers and avid collectors to seasoned gardeners and dog walkers, from botanists and ecologists interested in native regeneration, to lifestyle block owners seeking inspiration, the event is a drawcard for the whole family.

Now in its 12th year, there are sculptures by more than 40 artists. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely meander through ‘green avenues’ and secluded groves spread over one hectare of native bush, taking in more than 100 new sculptures for sale, plus an impressive permanent collection.

Permanent works include a 2.3m wide convex dome of gold swallows, and a luminous 8.5m Kotare feather by Neil Dawson; life size bronze figures by both Alison Erickson and Sam Harrison; a large bluestone rock installation by Doug Neil; a gateway of native birds in bronze by Bing Dawe; a grove of jewel-like cast glass fertility goddesses by a handful of mostly unknown artists; mesmerising kinetic works by Ben Foster and Andrew Drummond, and many more striking works.

Curator Melissa Reimer says many visitors bring a picnic and make a day of it, while others sweep through in an hour and then lunch at one of the local favourites, the Raspberry Café,
Tai Tapu Store, or Bicycle Thief. After a year of planning, there is great satisfaction in sharing the exhibition with the public and bringing together artists in this inspiring environment.

For more information and a full list of exhibitors, visit the website. taitapusculpturegarden.co.nz