The ForM Sculpture Exhibition in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden was officially opened by the Mayor of Ards and North Down Councillor Jennifer Gilmour at a special event on Thursday 30 May.
The Ards and North Down Borough Council exhibition, now in its 13th year, is a unique opportunity for artists to create pieces inspired by the garden. With over 40 sculptures located throughout the garden, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between art and nature and view art in a different way. Visitors are invited to explore the garden and seek out the artworks in the greenery.
At the launch event, the winners for the 2024 ForM Competition were announced and presented with prizes. The competition was judged by a panel of art experts – Betty Brown, Amanda Croft and Pandora Butterfield. This year’s Award Winners are: 1st Place – Anushiya Sundaralingam, 2nd Place – Joy Gray, 3rd Place – Sally Houston. Helen Hanse and Lucy Holland were both Highly Commended.
The Mayor of Ards and North Down said: “Congratulations to the winners of this year’s ForM Sculpture Exhibition. The standard this year has been outstanding, and we look forward to enjoying your work in the garden throughout the month of June. The exhibition is always a fantastic addition to the garden and really enhances the visitor experience. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the display.”
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; This is a really exciting and diverse ForM sculpture exhibition, reflected in the winners work with materials that span from bamboo, found objects, stone, ceramic, wood and even cardboard. All the artists whose works are displayed rose to the challenge of creating work for this special garden which compliments and gives an added experience during the month of June in Bangor Castle Walled Garden.”
ForM continues until 30 June and admission is free. Some of the sculptures are for sale and maps are available at each of the garden’s entrances to guide visitors around the exhibition.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.
For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk