Despite forecasts of gusty winds exceeding 22 mph on Thursday, organizers of Art in the Park assure visitors that the sculptures installed for the event are securely fastened and won't be going anywhere. The annual celebration brings together more than 3,000 pieces from approximately 130 New Zealand artists to the iconic grounds of Eden Park, running from Thursday night through Sunday.

For the first time in the event's history, sculptures have been installed directly on the turf where the All Blacks rugby team plays, creating a unique sculpture walk experience. While many installations are housed inside exhibition halls, 85 outdoor sculptures will face challenging weather conditions during Thursday night's opening ceremony. However, meteorologist Lewis Ferris from the Met Service predicts the harsh weather will clear by morning, with Saturday expected to bring sunshine and calm conditions.

One of the most impressive installations is "Ronald Rex," a life-size T-rex skull sculpture created by artists Brad Pollock and Annie Kuehne. The massive piece weighs approximately 440 pounds and required four to five people to remove it from the trailer, plus a forklift to position it on its base. "It's finished with real bronze powder, so it has the look of cast bronze but also feels like a fossil dug straight from the ground," explained Sofija Matich, Art in the Park's creative director. "It was definitely one of the trickiest installations of the show, but Ronald isn't going anywhere in the wind."

Matich emphasized that the event has extensive experience with large sculptures, and the crew has developed a comprehensive system for ensuring safety and security. Each piece undergoes thorough inspection for balance, weight, and stability before being permanently fixed in place. This meticulous process ensures that even the heaviest installations can withstand Auckland's unpredictable weather conditions.

Among the featured artists is 23-year-old Tyler Bow, a recent graduate from Elam School of Fine Arts who brings a unique perspective to her work through her background in marine biology and her qualification as a scuba instructor. Her ocean-inspired sculptures incorporate recycled and found materials, reflecting her deep connection to marine environments. "I work with recycled glass, whether that be recycled bottles that I pick up or broken windows, just refuse materials," Bow explained. "I've also been able to work with some art glass as well and just casting it into all sorts of incredible shapes and really exploring that medium and how fragile it is and the depth that it has and the play with light."

Bow's artistic practice extends beyond glass work to include reclaimed clay from previous projects, metal casting, and underwater photography. Growing up in Auckland, she says the ocean has always been central to her life and creative vision. "Since becoming a scuba diver at the end of 2021, my creative practice is built on my values, and my artwork is just a physical representation of that ongoing learning and discovery," she noted. "Because the ocean is such an important part of my values and what I enjoy doing, it just kind of comes out in my work."

The event is billed as Australasia's largest curated, artist-led exhibition and sale, traditionally attracting thousands of visitors from across the region. This year's installation on Eden Park's hallowed turf adds a new dimension to the experience, allowing visitors to walk among sculptures on the same grass where international rugby matches are played. Despite the challenging opening weather, organizers remain confident that the weekend will provide ideal conditions for visitors to explore this unique fusion of art and sport.