A major initiative, which has left permanent traces in the region, was the Adelaide Hills Inaugural International Sculpture Symposium, which took place in 2012. Eight sculptors from around the world were invited to ‘The Cedars’ at Hahndorf – the former home of the painter Sir Hans Heysen – to spend 20 days transforming large pieces of rock into works of art.
Silvio Apponyi, a sculptor based at Balhannah, and best known for his delightful
representations of animals, had deplored the lack of sculpture in the Hills. In 2008 he floated the idea of a symposium, and with helpers got it underway. Apponyi chose the artists (they included himself), but stressed that they would be given a free hand to express themselves.
When this first collection was completed, each sculpture was placed at a major town in the Adelaide Hills, from Macclesfield in the south, to Lobethal in the north. After subsequent symposia in 2014 and 2016 there are now 26 sculptures, with a few of them in the neighbouring Fleurieu Peninsula, and they can be followed on a Hills Sculpture Trail. Eight of these works are within the Adelaide Hills Council District.
Regional Development Australia and the Councils of Adelaide Hills, Mount Barker and Alexandrina contributed to the project, along with local businesses, community groups, and individuals.
Frankly, some of the works are puzzling as to what they represent, and observers benefit from the explanations on signs placed with them. Nevertheless, they are visually striking and contribute markedly to the artistic richness of the Adelaide Hills.
Sources: Adelaide Hills Magazine, Autumn 2012, pp. 16 – 23: Max Anderson, ‘Watch this
space’;
https://www.hillssculpturetrail.com.au/media/uploads/files/HST%20Brochure.pdf
If you have recollections, knowledge or further information that you would like to share about the people, places or events described here, then please contact us at mldhs@mtloftyhistoricalsociety.org.au
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