Symposium showcases nation's sculpting talent

The 23rd annual Matamata Sculpture Symposium is on at the Railside Green, 41 Hetana St until March 16.

Sculptors from around the country and with a wide range of expertise will be creating works of art out of the hinuera stone the area is famous for.

Whitikahu multimedia artist Jo Pervan looks forward to the symposium every year and says she loves sculpting hinuera stone because it has lovely grains and different colours.

Dabbling in clay sculpture 10 years ago led her to hinuera carving as she was keen to create large objects, which she couldn't do in clay.

She believes the symposium is a great opportunity to share ideas and learn new skills.

"It's really good to watch the progress of the different artists' work."

The symposium gives sculptors the opportunity to work on a large rock - up to 1 tonne.

The Railside Green is open to the public and the pieces created during the symposium will be for sale by auction on Saturday, March 17 at 11am on site, following a public viewing on Friday, March 16 at 5pm.

For more information visit www.matamatanz.co.nz