The Deakin University Contemporary Small Sculpture Award was established in 2009 and celebrates contemporary sculptures from artists around Australia.

Of the 300 plus entries that are received annually, only 40 are shorlisted as finalists, with the winning work going into the Deakin University Art Collection.

It is a great achievement to be selected as finalist, and we are inspired by the sculpture that Lori Pensini entered, "Empty" - 17 cm diam x 85 cm high, Callistemon Phoeniceus nut & seed, Jarrah bark, fine bone china and Kangaroo hide.

The Artists Statement - Autumn 2024. Like many Western Australian farmers, we ran out of water in our driest period on record. Nothing was spared, the people, animals, land and bush, we all suffered. "Empty" is my response to the despair experienced not being able to save our bushland and animals, and brings to focus conservations around drought resillience and managment of our water resources going forward.

The exhibition is on display from 29 August - 11 October 2024, and visitors are able to vote for the People's Choice award. If you are in the area make sure to visit this exciting sculptural exhibition.