Andrew and I took advantage of the fantastic weather this weekend and we went to look at the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition. The exhibition, as the name suggests, is held by the sea along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal walk. Although, the display doesn't start until Tamarama Beach. Unfortunately, the crowds also start at Tamarama; I think a lot of people had the urge to get out in the sunshine and take advantage of the first weekend of daylight savings.

The exhibition included both arty pieces and crowd-pleasing pieces. Andrew and I looked at most of the arty pieces and thought "huh?". I've never really understood abstract art. The crowd-pleasing works, such as the big sunnies and the thong bottle, were always surrounded by large groups of people. Tourists having their photos taken, unruly children climbing on, poking, tugging, pulling at the sculpture (where were their parents?) It was impossible to get near some of the artworks, to view and appreciate them properly (*G* we're such artistes!)

My favourite artwork this year was Lola's Daisy chain. Nine-year-old, Lola, with the help of family and friends, created a chain of 35 000 daisies that stretches 1.6 km from Tamarama to Bondi. Her reason for the daisy chain, "I like daisy chains because you start with something little, and end up with something big." Just like her idea for Sculpture by the Sea. An idea that became a submission, that was accepted and turned into a great art work. Good on ya Lola! (photos)

Last Thursday we attended the pre-award party for the Archibald Prize. At the party you can view the exhibition before the judges make their decision on the winner. This year my favourite portrait in the Archibald Prize coincided with the judges' pick for the winner (Artist: Craig Ruddy, Title: David Gulpilil, Two Worlds). Apparently I do know something about art *g*. You can see a full list of the finalists here. It's a beautiful exhibition, well-worth seeing.

Yesterday evening we attended the pre-award party for the Archibald prize at the Art Gallery. For $60 we got champagne, nibblies and a chance to view the portraits before the judges announced the winners.

Because of the impromptu protest against the war in Iraq we had to walk from Pyrmont to the art gallery. A 40 minute walk in heels (ok, they weren't that high but it's not like I was wearing sneakers!) is not much fun. I headed straight to the alcohol table when we got there and after a couple of glasses of champagne I was feeling much better. Paddy and I then spent the next half hour ambushing the wait staff coming straight from the kitchen. I was really hungry! (and I wanted to get my $60 worth *grin*).

After we had our fill of nibblies we went downstairs to view the exhibition. They have 4 prizes, the Archibald - portraiture (painting), the Wynne - Australian landscape or figure sculpture, the Sulmann - abstract Australianna and a new photographic category. We also entered the competition they were running - if you picked the winner in each category, you'd go into the draw to win a week at an art school (how exciting!!!! *grin*). They've since announced the winners and I didn't get a single one right. Obviously I don't know anything about art :D.

the one I voted for	the winner

Oh, it was mum's birthday too! Happy Birthday Mum!!!