Boort gets set for its annual Sculpture by the Lake competition
Published on 22 September 2017
The competition is already heating up as contestants get set for what will be another highly successful Boort Sculpture by the Lake competition this October.
To be held on Saturday 14 October from 11am to 4pm at the annual Boort Show, the competition is also part of this year’s Naturally Loddon Spring Festival.
With a total prize pool of $4,000 (including $2,000 for the winning entry), the competition sees participants transform scrap metal into works of art.
Competition spokesperson Paul Haw said the contest originated from renowned Barraport sculpture artist John Piccoli (also known as the Spanner Man) and his sculpture garden.
“He’s such an inspiration,” Mr Haw added. “He gets up to 100 visitors a day.”
He said the competition’s aim is to grow Boort’s reputation as the place to see magnificent metal works of art. A vision that is already taking shape with the development of a metal sculpture trail around Little Lake Boort.
“We know the sculpture side of it is going to grow in number,” Mr Haw said.
“We currently have a couple of sculptures from John Piccoli and another three sculptures made through workshops at the Men’s Shed, led by Moz Moresi. Moz is a previous competition winner and will be one of the judges for this year’s contest.
“We’re aiming to get another sculpture installed at the lake next year. Boort is becoming a sculpture-based town. It really helps our town – people can come here and experience our great eateries and then wander around and enjoy the sculptures.”
Originating at the Boort Agricultural and Pastoral Society Show, the Boort Sculpture by the Lake competition has quickly grown each year, with local and interstate contestants vying for the $2,000 first prize.
“Each year we are getting more and more people, making it a bigger and bigger event,” Mr Haw said. “It’s been very, very popular and adds another element to the Boort Show.”
As well as an Open category, there are three other categories – Local, under 18 and People’s Choice.
Last year the first prize in the Open section was awarded to Mick Shepard for his sculpture Shero’s Style.
Prize money for the competition is raised at the launch of Naturally Loddon Spring Festival held at John and Sonia Piccoli's Star Spanner Sculpture Gardens on Father’s Day.
Competition entry forms must be submitted by 13 October, with entry fees set at $20 for adults and $10 for under 18s.
For more details, go to www.boortsculp.wordpress.com or call 0417 333 171.
Running from early September until the 28 October, the Naturally Loddon Spring Festival features 15 family-friendly events spread across the Shire. To obtain a festival brochure, phone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 3489 or visit www.loddon.vic.gov.au .