An idyllic Queensberry Hills site will provide the backdrop for a sculpture exhibition open to the public this Waitangi Weekend.

Named ‘Deliberation’ after one of the Steuart Welch sculptures among the collection, the exhibition will feature around 40 sculptures, 21 of them set among the rolling hills of Sunny Collings and Selena Henry’s 15-hectare property, and the rest inside their home gallery.

The couple is the force behind Poison Creek Sculpture Project, which combines exhibitions or shows of top New Zealand sculptors as well as rising stars; with sculptor residencies; accommodation; and native plant regeneration.

Deliberation (free with koha entry) features works by sculptors Morgan Jones, Tanya Ashken, Jonathan Campbell, Pamela McKelvey, Tanya Ashken, Oriah Rapley, Marte Szirmay and more.

Transit, by Morgan Jones

Sunny said it was important that she and Selena contribute to the “thriving and growing arts scene” in the community.

“We think art should be for the people and it can also be a transformational force, we hope we are pushing a boundary a bit by doing this where we are doing it,” Sunny told the Wānaka App.

“We also want people to see it as something special in their own backyard where they might walk their dog on a lead on an open day.”

Deliberation is Poison Creek Sculpture Project’s third show: They began with ‘Defiance’ in late 2021 before ‘Antidote’ in 2022.

“We've had some amazing feedback again this year - two separate visitors have told us they see us as being at an international standard for small sculpture parks so that's pretty nice feedback.”

Bird Goddesses, by Oriah Rapley

Sunny describes Poison Creek Sculpture Project as “ever evolving”.

“We're always looking for novel ideas about how to promote sculpture as an art form, and we have run drystone workshops to create settings for specific works. Who knows, we might make a move into poetry at some point.”

Deliberation (at 43 Briar Wood Lane, Queensberry Hills) will be open to the public this Saturday, Sunday and Monday (February 4,5 and 6) between 1pm and 5pm. Entry is by koha; visitors should wear shoes suitable for walking and bring a sunhat and water bottle, as well as a mask to wear while inside the home gallery. 

Guided tours are also available this Waitangi Weekend for $25 per adult. The tours will begin at midday over the three days, and bookings - to be made by emailing [email protected] - must be booked by 5pm the day before. 

More open days will take place up until ANZAC Weekend, and private bookings are available at the email address above.

PHOTOS: Supplied