One of the sculptures in PromenART this year. Photos: Supplied.
Popular art event PromenART Sculpture Walk has returned to The Waterfront, Shell Cove for its third year, transforming the marina’s 2.4 km boardwalk into an outdoor gallery with more than 50 striking works worth more than $1.2 million.
Part of the Shell Cove Project, a collaboration between Frasers Property and Shellharbour City Council, it involves pieces from more than 25 artists installed along the Shellharbour Marina.
The Waterfront, Shell Cove development director Mathew Gulliver said the sheer numbers of visitors and Illawarra residents who had enjoyed PromenART during the past two years drove the decision to continue the program this year.
“Shell Cove residents need no excuse to enjoy our beautiful waterfront surrounds, but the presence of these striking sculptures provides a new dimension to the landscape and encourages lingering and contemplation in the great outdoors,” Mr Gulliver said.
“We also know PromenART provides visitors and tourists with the perfect excuse to come and explore not just the art but the restaurants, cafes, parks and beaches that make The Waterfront, Shell Cove such a special place.”
Among the works on display are Mudgee-based artist Michael Ferris with two pieces – his 2.1 m high artwork Autumn, which uses copper, steel and river stones to depict a falling leaf, while his copper and steel Wave is designed to mimic the movement of waves crashing on a seashore.
Hong Kong-born Anton Poon’s rusted steel Anchor keeps the maritime theme going, while Japan-born Perth-based artist Yuko Takahashi’s bronze Fortitude depicts a majestic deer.
Tobias Bennett’s Mighty Mustang is a rearing horse of rusted steel that towers three metres, and Astra Parker’s Reaching in Return is made of Corten steel and rises six metres in an abstract expression of strength and connection.
While taking in the walk, QR codes will provide links to information about each piece and artist, with all sculptures available for purchase.
Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the sculptures served to highlight the beauty of the area.
“These magnificent sculptures are a wonderful addition to the Shellharbour Marina,” Cr Homer said.
“Art like this doesn’t just beautify our spaces, it also creates a sense of place, builds connection and sparks conversations.”
He encouraged everyone to experience PromenART.
As part of PromenART, there will be a calendar of live music events and art demonstrations to complement it.
A special school holiday edition of Park & Play, a program of free outdoor play sessions for 0 to 5-year-olds, will also feature kids’ activity stations, a petting farm and sculpture-inspired scavenger hunt on 9 October.
On the waterfront green space near the marina, there will also be outdoor movie sessions, with Despicable Me 4 on 1 October and Minecraft Movie on 8 October.
Live music on the lawn will take place every Sunday until 26 October from 11 am to 1 pm.
Learn more about the PromenART Sculpture Walk and its surrounding events.
