Q Station in Sydney’s Manly is set to host the inaugural ‘Les Sculptures Refusées‘, an outdoor sculpture exhibition modelled on The Archibald Prize’s Salon de Refusés, which exhibits works which missed out on the Archibald and has attracted a cult-like following of its own.

The free open-air exhibition, running from 15 October to 19 November 2020, is an opportunity for the local community to experience creations by some of Australia’s best sculptors, with most situated by the property’s iconic Pier and Quarantine Beach.

It was over dinner that the idea for Les Sculptures Refusées was born and from then, artist Tania McMurtry, with friend and close collaborator Simon Hodgson, aspired to provide further exhibiting opportunities to artists.

“I have long been a follower of the Archibald’s Salon de Refusés and after admiring the success of that exhibition and speaking with fellow sculptors, the idea of Les Sculptures Refusées was born,” McMurtry said.

“With the incredible luxury of space Q Station affords, I thought the property would make an excellent location for such an exhibition and despite the constraints of Covid-19, we have been able to pull an amazing line up together and we are excited to see it come to life.

“We hope this event will become bigger and stronger over the years. It is a win for Q Station, a win for the Northern Beaches and most importantly a win for the sculptors who will now have another opportunity to show their work,” she said.

Q Station Director, Suzanne Stanton said the property was thrilled to be partnering on Les Sculptures Refusées.

“There is an interesting parallel between hosting the Les Sculptures Refusées at Quarantine Station which by happenstance is during a global pandemic,” she said.

Earlier in the year, Q Station launched their International Peace Park and is, already a proud host of two sculptures by Tania.

“As a major supporter of local artists, we are thrilled to support and be the host of the inaugural Les Sculptures Refusées exhibition,” Stanton said.

Artists for this exhibition include revered Orest Keywan, Simon Hodgson, Anthony Battaglia, Paul Selwood, Ellenore Griffith and founder Tania McMurtry.

The sculptures will be judged by Katherine Roberts (Senior Curator at Manly Art Gallery and Museum), Jo Neville (Q Station’s current Artist in Residence) and Brian Tunks (Director at Bisonhome).

The winner of the inaugural Most Outstanding Work will receive a Residency at Q Station in 2021 and a two night stay at Q Station, with a celebratory dinner at Boilerhouse Kitchen and Bar. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will receive a prize donated by Bisonhome.

Alongside the Les Sculptures Refusées exhibition, Q Station’s charming G&Tea House will be operating from Friday to Sunday and serving tea-infused gin and tonic cocktails alongside sweet and savoury High Tea options, while live Sunset Sessions will be happening on the lawns every Saturday from 4pm to 6pm.

BOOK A STAYCATION AT Q STATION

With an abundance of fresh air, space, wildlife and water at your fingertips, not to mention an award-winning restaurant with a revered new chef, Q Station in Manly is one of the hottest destinations to put on the Sydney staycation list.

Located on the shores of Sydney Harbour amongst more than 36 hectares of Sydney Harbour National Park, Q Station is offering guests a winter staycation package that is guaranteed to excite and includes overnight accommodation in a queen deluxe room, a gourmet breakfast hamper and a $100 Boilerhouse Restaurant & Bar credit.

Executive Chef, Griffith Pamment of Rockpool, Bills, Sean’s Panorama and most recently Longrain fame has taken the reigns of Boilerhouse Kitchen & Bar and has already transformed the restaurant which is located right on the shores of Quarantine Beach.

Griff’s paddock-to-plate ethos has been infused throughout the brand-new Mediterranean inspired menu, with signature dishes including potted prawns with celeriac remoulade, ricotta gnocchi with shimeji mushrooms and truffle, and a crisp skin ocean trout with warm cauliflower salad and whipped cod roe.

With elegant, refurbished rooms that are in-keeping with the property’s National Heritage status, Q Station offers a vast array of experiences for guests to enjoy, many of which are tailored to the wellbeing, adventure and culture-seeker market. Think kayaking on the property’s own exclusive Quarantine Beach, bushwalking through national park, cycling, yoga and history tours. The property’s world-renowned ghost tours are also an obvious drawcard.