A major new public artwork is set to welcome visitors to Tamworth’s Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), with plans unveiled for a large-scale sculpture celebrating the horse.
The proposed piece, titled Horses at Ease, will feature two steel horse sculptures positioned at the entrance to AELEC, created by local sculptor Adam Humphreys in collaboration with venue staff and the Tamworth Region Arts Advisory Committee.
Constructed from hundreds of steel rods, the sculptures will depict horses in a relaxed grazing state, capturing both movement and stillness in a three-dimensional form.
Mr Humphreys, who now lives in the Tamworth region, said the design focuses on a moment when horses are calm but still alert.
“The sculptural design I have crafted incorporates the act of grazing, when the horse is most vulnerable and relaxed,” he said.
“The splay of the horses’ feet as well as the gentle swish of their tails shows the viewer that the two horses are well and truly ‘at ease’.”
He said the positioning of the two sculptures would create a changing experience for visitors as they arrive and move through the site.
“It’s not until you have parked and are heading to the entrance of the AELEC that you engage with Horse B, whose head is raised curiously to see who has ‘come in through the gate’,” he said.
Both sculptures will be slightly larger than life, designed to create a strong visual presence while remaining grounded in realism.
AELEC Venue Operations Manager Ace Grinter said engaging a local artist had been a key priority for the project.
“We really wanted to work with someone local and luckily enough we had Adam right here in the Tamworth Region,” she said.
“His work is truly amazing and we are thrilled to be able to work with Adam to bring his vision to life.”
Director of Tamworth Regional Gallery and Museums Bridget Guthrie said the installation would add to the region’s growing collection of public art.
“Tamworth has some spectacular artworks on display in some of our public spaces and these sculptures will add to that list,” she said.
“It is fitting for this extraordinary facility to get an extraordinary piece of art to welcome people here.”
The project will be community-funded, with donations sought to support construction of the artwork.
Council says the sculpture aligns with its broader public art strategy and reflects the significance of AELEC as a major national and international hub for the equine industry.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au