Local artist and metalworker Neil Findley has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Sculptures in the Garden (SIG) exhibition, one of regional Australia’s premier outdoor art events, held in Mudgee, New South Wales.
For 35 years, Mr Findley operated a self-employed business repairing heavy earth-moving equipment.
In 2020, he began translating his mechanical skills into art, utilising worn-out machinery parts and other recycled metals to craft unique sculptures.
Three of Mr Findley’s works have been selected for this year’s exhibition: Rust never stops, Rustic Steel Wine Bottle & Glass, and Poppi the Pelican.
His selection places him among a record 134 artists from across Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and the ACT, who will showcase approximately 300 works at the event.
Now in its 16th year, the 2026 exhibition will run from October 10-25 at Rosby Wines and Gallery.
This year’s event features the highest prize pool in the competition’s history, with art acquisition prizes valued at more than $60,000.
The exhibition will be officially opened on Saturday, October 10, at 11am by special guest and head of the judging panel, Bradley Hammond, Curator of the Orange Regional Gallery.
Following the opening, Mr Hammond will lead a guided sculpture walk through the exhibition.
Alongside established and emerging artists, visitors to the 16-day festival can participate in “My Kingdom for a Horse,” an interactive, hands-on community sculpture project.
Guided by professional artists, visitors will help build a growing herd of life-sized horse sculptures constructed from natural materials.
The project is assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
Sculptures in the Garden is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW, in partnership with Mudgee Region Tourism.
Tickets for the exhibition and the opening preview evening on Friday, October 9, are now available online.
