Located on the corner of Bridge and William Streets in the School of Arts building, the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre houses a large collection of local national and international artists. The Muswellbrook School of Arts building is worth admiring because of its architectural beauty.
Entry to the centre is free and the friendly staff on the front counter will explain what is currently on display.
During our visit, we were lucky to have the 2019 Archibald Prize being displayed, which gave us an opportunity to admire that years winners. The Young Archies were also available for viewing, with artwork from young Australians on display.
Local artist Max Watters had several of his works on display, with the Centre holding many more of this art in storage. With the Archibald paintings taking up significant galley space, many pieces from the Centre’s collection were in temporary storage. This was a small price to pay however, to be able to see these other great paintings.
School of Arts
Tjuparntarri – Women’s Business by David Darcy
White Shells, Black Heart by Blak Douglas
Art and War by Anh Do
Through The Looking Glass the 2019 Archibald Packing Room Prize by Tessa MacKay
Part of the Max Watters Collection on Display
Part of the Max Watters Collection on Display
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail
Outside the Centre, is the ANZAC Centenary Stone, which forms the start of the Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail. A sign next to the sculpture explains the trail and what is to be found at each location. See our post on the Sculpture Trail if you want to learn more about it.
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
What Did We Think?
With the bonus of seeing the Archibald Prize, we really enjoyed our visit. There was a great selection of local artists, that would only be better, when the gallery space taken up by the touring exhibition is available. The Arts Centre often has visiting exhibitions on display so check to see what’s on display before you visit.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
The Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail runs from Muswellbrook to Denman and onto Sandy Hollow.
In Muswellbrook, it starts outside of the Regional Arts Centre, where you will find a map of the trail and the first sculpture, the ANZAC Centenary Stone. From here you drive to Two Rivers Wines outside of Denman, before heading to David Mahoney’s Art Gallery and Sculpture Park at Sandy Hollow
Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail Map
Muswellbrook
Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
ANZAC Centenary Stone Outside the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre
Two Rivers Wines
Situated just outside Denman, Two Rivers Wines contains a great selection of sculptures.
The ‘Custodians of the Landscape’ sandstone sculptures were carved onsite at Two Rivers in the winter of 2015 by international artist Ben Dearnley. More than 20 tonnes of stone sourced from the vineyard were used to create this unique and compelling project by Ben. His work directly references the ancient art form of stone masonry whilst reflecting our own landscape here at Two Rivers. Ben says that the flowing and dynamic nature of the sculptures reflects the ever changing moods and seasons of the vineyard where growing the vines is a labour of love in tune with nature itself.
There are 8 pieces of Ben’s work situated around the Cellar Door and entry to the vineyard. These pieces whilst all individual have been designed by Ben to collectively reflect the importance he saw that Two Rivers placed on our unique landscape.
https://www.tworivers.com.au/sculptures
While at Two Rivers, don’t forget to sample some of their excellent wines, or have a meal at the restaurant.
Entrance to Two Rivers Wines
Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Grape Vine Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Face Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Face Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Sculpture at Two Rivers Wines
Scenery at Two Rivers Wines
Two Rivers Wines Vineyards
Scenery at Two Rivers Wines
Denman
While passing through Denman to Visit the sculptures at Two River Wines, don’t forget to stop in town and explore what is available. Whilst there we visited the main shopping street, Ogilvie Street and a number of cafe’s that served great meals and drinks, we did not get a chance to do the hotels nearby. Ogilvie Street also contains several interesting old buildings, such as the Memorial Hall.
On your way out of town towards Sandy Hollow and the last stop on the Sculpture Trail, keep and eye out for the two old tractors on poles at the entrance to a farm.
Royal Hotel Denman
Ogilvie St, Denman
Denman Memorial Hall Ogilvie St, Denman
Farm Entrance With Tractors
St Matthias Denman Anglican Church
Located at 35 Palace St, Denman NSW, this beautiful old church is not far from the town centre and worth the short walk to drive to visit. Designed by John Horbury Hunt and consecrated in 1875 by Bishop Tyrrell, St Matthias has been operating for over 130 years .
St Matthias Denman Anglican church
St Matthias Denman Anglican church
Sandy Hollow
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park
Located on the Golden Highway at the intersection with Honey Lane, David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park is a wonderful place to wander through and explore. The magical sculptures and mosaics allow you to relax while you have a break from driving. We loved looking around because of the unique artworks on display.
The setting is also magnificent, giving great views over the surrounding farmland.
This is the last stop on the Upper Hunter Valley Sculpture Trail and contains the largest number of displays. Parking is easy, as the Park fronts onto the highway, with plenty of spaces outside.
There is also an art gallery and cafe on site, but these were closed during our visit.
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Giant Violin at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Mozaic Display at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Lizard Mozaic at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Eagle Sculpture at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Owl Painting David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
Eagle Sculpture at David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
David Mahoney Art Gallery and Sculpture Park Sandy Hollow
What Did We Think?
We had a great time following the Sculpture Trail, and enjoyed all three stops. We also liked Denman where we had a coffee and morning tea before heading on to Sandy Hollow.
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.
