At Bloom in the Bay in November, sculptor and designer Patrick Barry will be displaying a similar stone piece to his fern sculpture Dicksonia Antarctica that’s installed at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland.

Primarily a carver, he works with clay, stone, metal design and fabrication, and after travelling the world, the sculptor from Ireland has made Wellington his home. He’s looking forward to meeting people at the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival.

“I love the diversity of people’s ideas,” said Patrick. “It really is a unique experience when people approach me.”

“Each region has a very specific take on what they consider to be fine art or sculpture.”

Sculptures and sculptors are a significant part of this year’s Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival, running from November 14-17.

Sculptors also displaying work at the festival include Clive Armstrong, Chris Pointon, Isaac Weston, Kevin McCardell, Heather Wratt, Dave Roy, Jo Tricker, Lynda Soutar, Cooper Poppa, Greg and Sue Stowell and Alison’s Art and Sculptures.

Festival-goers can expect to see artworks crafted from marine-grade stainless steel, copper, glass, concrete, wood, aluminium, stone, wool and felt, and recycled steel.

The Multi-Day Festival Pack, for $80, gives access to the festival for all four days, and the $45 1-Day Festival Pack gives access to the festival for any one day. Both packs include a festival pass, directory, and map.

Passes to the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival from November 14-17, are available from Palmers Bethlehem; online at Eventfinda; or visit www.gardenandartfestival.co.nz. A service fee applies if purchased online.

- SunLive