13 Oct 2024
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location
McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery
Category(ies)
On October 13, McClelland celebrates the ‘birthday’ of their reflective gentle giant, Frankie. Officially titled Reflective Lullaby by Gregor Kregar, this captivating, monumental sculpture has been an enduring icon for the region.
The epic scale gnome came home last year after four years on exhibit as part of the contemporary sculpture installations along the Peninsula Link freeway.
A unique and award-winning commitment to public art between Southern Way and McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery called Southern Way McClelland Commissions, this ongoing program of iconic artworks has established the Mornington Peninsula as an internationally significant hub for public art and contemporary sculpture. The series alternates every two years between sites at Skye Road and Cranbourne Road along Peninsula Link, which will result in 12 commissions over a 25-year period to 2037.
Southern Way generously donates funding for the sculptures in giving back to the community of Frankston and Langwarrin. After four years on public display the commissions become part of McClelland’s permanent collection in its 16-hectare sculpture park.
In the Middle Ages, gnomes were considered mystical, philosophical creatures, guardians of the underground and possessors of special powers and knowledge. Kregar’s gnome is made from mirror polished stainless steel; his unusually large-scale transforming in an ever-changing interactive experience in which the people and environment around him becomes part of a kaleidoscopic reflection on the surface of the work.
Knowing the special place Frankie holds in the hearts of much of the community, McClelland wanted to mark the year since his return.
Lisa Byne, Artistic & Executive Director shared; “Works like Reflective Lullaby help us promote education and the experience of sculpture within a unique natural environment. Frankie evokes curiosity, inquiry, and ultimately community connection – everyone has a special recollection of when they last saw him.”
McClelland will offer visitors free entry to the Sculpture Park and a range of fun free family friendly activities including an up-close experience with Australian native animals, reptiles and mammals from Funky Farm, a boutique zoo on the Mornington Peninsula. Educator led art and craft activities will be available for the young and young at heart.
Free Sculpture Park tours led by knowledgeable and passionate volunteer guides will bring the history of the park to life. And a cake baking competition where the team are searching for the best home baked birthday cake adds a fun twist to the day. McClelland has gathered three creative cake minds, excited to see what bakers will bring to the plate, including Louie Digby of Digby Cakes, Amy Minichiello from A Mini Kitchen and Noel Black – McClelland Head Chef. Frankie’s birthday will be the perfect occasion to announce the winner on Saturday afternoon at a special presentation.
Free entry and activities include:
- The Funky Farm
- Family friendly art activities
- Sculpture Park tours
- Exhibitions to explore
- Cake baking competition