Imagination and creativity goes on display in Meredith

INDIVIDUAL takes on Australia’s history will be on display in Meredith this weekend when the local history group hosts its second History Reconstructed exhibition.

It follows the inaugural event last year, which Meredith History Interest Group president Margaret Cooper described as a great success.

“Not only did we have about 100 sculptures displayed but there was lots of interest from the public,” she said.

“This interest continued as we have had a few sculptures displayed in the front room at the history centre since last year’s event, and visitors have been amazed by the imagination and creativity of the displayed sculptures.”

The group issued an invitation in February for 3D sculptures based on the theme from professional and amateur artists.

Entries could be made from a wide range of materials or combinations of materials such as paper, cardboard, children’s toys, cloth, wood, iron, sticks from bushland, and books.

Last year’s winning entry was a tractor created from a Singer sewing machine, with training wheels from a children’s bike for front wheels and others from an old motor mower at the back.

A wok cut in half was used to fashion the mudguards, a bent tablespoon for a seat, and various plumbing fittings for the exhaust and other attachments.

Cooper said sculptures entered this year include a car decorated for the Shitbox Rally, a board containing articles blackened by the Bamganie bushfire in January, and dolls made out of kitchenware such as cake tins and sugar bowls.

“Mark Cuthbertson, the artist who created the concrete couch in front of the Royal Hotel in Meredith, will judge the sculptures and the prizes will be presented at 2pm on Sunday,” she said.

Prizes will be awarded for first and second places, a people’s choice, and an under-15 category.

The exhibition takes place at the history centre, 31 Staughton Street, Meredith, from 9.30am to 3.30pm tomorrow (Saturday 14 May) and Sunday.

Entry will be free but donations will be welcome.