There’s creativity to be unearthed in Central NSW as art takes centre stage at various outdoor locations. One of Australia’s biggest new silo artworks is at Grenfell, Parkes has a new Public Art Trail, Utes in the Paddock has moved to Condobolin and see Animals on Bikes along the road to Dubbo Zoo.
There are unique art installations at every turn, from murals and silo paintings to sculpture gardens and open art trails. Central NSW Tourism has revealed some of its best art attractions:
Grenfell’s Silo Art Project – one of the biggest new silo artworks in Australia is attracting record visitors to Grenfell. Privately commissioned by Peter Mawhinney and the partners of Grenfell Commodities, the compilation of images reflects the local contemporary farming industry with sheep, cattle, native birds and Weddin Mountains National Park. Completed by world renowned Mongolian artist Heesco Khosnaran it stands 30 metres high. www.facebook.com/australiansiloarttrail/
- Parkes Public Art Trail – discover the prominent art, culture and character of Parkes along a contemporary CBD art trail which features Elvis The King, Priscilla, The Dish, Sir Henry Parkes and the Cooke Park Mural. The trail extends through Peak Hill, Bogan Gate and Trundle for those wanting to explore further. https://www.parkes.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/arts-culture/public-art/
- Forbes’ Amazing Project – 17km from Forbes a huge red-letter sculpture of AMAZING sits amongst the gum trees by the Lachlan River. Back in town is ‘Pyramid’, a 1.9m high bronze sculpture in Albion Park, and the larger than life ‘The Bull’ by sculptor Andy Scott. www.somewheredownthelachlan.com
Grenfell’s Wallangreen Sculpture Garden – this Garden features over 100 steel sculptures, both thought provoking and fun, made from recycled farm machinery and spread over one hectare. http://go.grenfell.org.au/wallangreen/ - Animals on Bikes – from Molong to Dubbo Zoo this ‘paddock art’ sculpture trail is a series of 100 sculptures over 120km created by local farmers, farmers wives, Men’s shed groups, bus drivers and children. http://www.animalsonbikes.com.au/
Utes in the Paddock move to Condobolin – a 25-acre block is the new home for a series of ute car artworks, all a humorous depiction of this Aussie icon.
- Grenfell’s historic sculptures – get snapped at a series of historic sculptures in Grenfell including the ‘Big Gold Pick and Pan’, a celebration of the gold era, ‘Life in a Stump’ is a sculpture by Len Wallace, and a bust of ‘Henry Lawson’ features an interactive button with stories
- The Bathurst Arts Trail – with its emerging artists scene, a series of open studios, galleries and cafes featuring local artworks is on the first weekend of every month. Held from 10am to 4pm, with free entry to all studios. http://bathurstartstrail.com/
- Eugowra Village of Murals – an annual event brings artists and sign writers to town to add colourful new murals to sites around town, depicting local life. There’s The ‘Faraway Tree’ story by Enid Blyton at the school, ‘The Farmers Mural’ and ‘Head On In’ outside a hairdresser.
- Orange’s Cultural Precinct – bound by the Regional Art Gallery, Visitor Centre and Regional Museum this includes ‘Seed’ by prominent Australian sculptor Bronwyn Oliver, Richard Goodwin’s ‘The Well’ and ‘Ripper’ by Chris Fox. The Orange Botanic Gardens has another collection including Bert Flugelman’s ‘Federation Arch’.
- Cowra’s Bridge Pylons – beneath the Lachlan River Bridge and featuring Aboriginal murals, they were painted by local Aboriginal artist, Kym Freeman and depict the history of the Wiradjuri people who inhabited the Cowra area prior to English settlement. The size of the murals and the attention to fine detail make them a must see when visiting Cowra. https://visitcowra.com.au/indigenous-art-murals
