See You Soon by Rakei Kingi is part of the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail. Photo/Ben Fraser
See You Soon by Rakei Kingi is part of the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail. Photo/Ben Fraser
The Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail is one of Rotorua's best kept secrets. In part one of a two-part series Matthew Martin takes a closer look at the art on offer.
Officially opened to the public last December, the Sulphur Lake Sculpture Trail is one of Rotorua's best kept secrets.
Locatedbetween the Arts Village and the Polynesian Spa, the trail features 17 sculptures by local and international artists.
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The two-year outdoor exhibition is free to the public and its theme - The Returning Soldier - was chosen to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings this month.
Judges selected nationally recognised sculptor Anna Korver's piece The White Mouse, depicting New Zealand war hero Nancy Wake, as the winning artwork, for which she received $10,000.
Rotorua Lakes Council's community arts adviser Marc Spijkerbosch said community feedback on the sculpture trail had been phenomenal.
"It's a wonderful asset to the city and in such an appropriate and tranquil location."
ARTS TRAIL: Rotorua Lakes Council's community arts adviser, Marc Spijkerbosch, at the Sulphur Lake before it was transformed into the site of the sculpture trail. PHOTO/FILE
Mr Spijkerbosch said the council was also given first option to purchase a second piece, and selected Rory McDougall's The Ghost Soldier.
"The Ghost Soldier was clearly the 'people's choice' and perhaps the most poignant and fitting addition to permanently adorn our World War I memorial trail."
The Rotorua (Electricity Charitable) Trust has purchased two more sculptures for the city - Forever Remembered and Tank Trap - by local artists Paul Bottomley and Jamie Pickernell.
These four pieces will remain on the trail at the four key entrances.
Mr Spijkerbosch said a field of giant poppies made by the community - with another local artist Jill Walker facilitating - will adorn the trail and surrounds on Anzac Day.
He said the council intended to hold a themed carving symposium every two years to freshen up the site.
-Part two, featuring the remaining nine sculptures on the Sulphur Lake trail, will run on Anzac Day.
