Entries are now being sought for the inaugural Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens. The competition will be the centrepiece of Earth Hour celebrations at the gardens on March 27.

The competition is open to people of all ages with adult, primary (junior) and high school (senior) categories. Individual and group entries are also welcome in each category.

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Gardens CEO Charlotte Webb OAM said the competition aimed to boost the connection between the gardens and the community.

She said it would provide a platform for creatives to showcase their talents within the natural beauty of the gardens, while embracing a message of sustainability and environmental awareness for Earth Hour.

The competition was inspired by an installation at the gardens from well-known local artists Heidi McGeoch and Sam Larwill. The Vessels of Change sculpture was previously on loan to the gardens and took pride of place on the property for many months from 2018.

The impressive sculpture took the form or several solar powered lanterns made from 32 recycled 44 gallon honey drums with motifs cut into them that reflected elements of the natural earth.

While the sculpture has since been sold by the artists, their inspiration continues, paving the way for the introduction of the SHBG's sculpture competition in 2021.

Entry in the competition is free with expressions of interest to enter required by March 1. The EOI deadline has been extended from February 12.

Successful applicants will be notified by March 8 with details regarding each entrant's exhibition space will be provided on March 10. These two dates have also been extended.

Completed artworks must then be delivered and installed at the gardens between March 19 and 24 with a deadline of 4pm on March 24.

Judging will take place on March 27 with finalists notified on the same day. The judges will be Southern Highlands Artisans Collective (SHAC) director Jane Cush and art crime expert Dr Pam James.

Competition winners will be announced at the Earth Hour community celebrations which begin at 5pm at the gardens on March 27.

Ms Webb said that there would be several great prizes up for grabs in the competition including prizes for each category including People's Choice awards.

The open section category prizes are:

The school prizes for both junior and senior categories are:

In addition to the chance to take a closer look at the sculpture competition entries there will be a host of other highlights at the gardens' for Earth Hour.

Activities will begin at 5pm with four 30 minute recycling workshops for children. There will be a $5 charge to take part and prior bookings are required.

Ms Webb said that several sustainability store holders would also be set up at the gardens and entertainment would be presented throughout the evening.

"We invite anyone in the community to join in the fun of the Earth Hour celebrations. They can bring along a picnic or purchase from our sausage sizzle onsite. We will also have a bar service available," she said.

However, Ms Webb said anyone wanting to attend would need to register prior to the event.

"We are a Covid safe site and this is part of our protocol," she said.

"Anyone who does attend is encouraged to make a people's choice vote for their favourite entry in the sculpture competition."

And in the true tradition of Earth Hour all lights will be turned off for one hour from 7.30pm.

Ms Webb said the team at the gardens also encouraged nearby residents to also turn off their lights for an hour from 7.30pm.

"In fact this is something everyone can do in support of the event," she said.

Registration to attend the Earth Hour Celebrations at the Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens can be made at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=694262&

To register for the recycling workshops go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=694276&

Further information and to register for the sculpture competition go to https://shbg.com.au/.../earth.../sculpture-competition-eoi/

The Southern Highlands Botanic Gardens is located on the corner of Kangaloon and Old South Roads, Bowral.

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