The sculptures taking shape on Tauranga's Waterfront over the past two weeks were auctioned off to new homes on Saturday.
As part of the Garden and Art Festival, the Sculpture Symposium had seen 15 artists from all over New Zealand gather on The Strand to meet and create.
Local artist Peter Cramond, well known for his penguin sculpture The Sea's That Way at Mount Maunganui, said it was a great way to work.
"It's always good to get out of the studio and meet other artists ... It's always good to see old artists we haven't seen since the last symposium."
His final product Compassion was inspired by a day spent at the 150th commemoration of the Battle of Gate Pa earlier this year.
He said he spent the day admiring the pou, the carved trees and returned twice to the exhibition in Greerton Hall.
"It was a very moving day so that inspired a new piece."
He was very happy on Saturday to sell his piece for $2500, which he would donate to the Waipuna Hospice "because they care for people in their last days, hours on Earth and that's what the piece is about - caring for people".
He understood the piece would be displayed in the entrance of a local church.
Symposium co-ordinator Rex O'Brien said the event had been great and the artists had worked hard.
"The public response has been really great, people watching the sculptures take shape."
Festival trust chair Nikki Burley said despite the site moving from Mount Drury to the waterfront, they had still had a steady flow of people visiting over the 10 days. "It's been slower than we would've liked, whether that was to do with the weather I don't know ... I think the site's good and I think the artists have liked it."Rebecca Savory