The controversial piece ‘Forgotten 2004’, was created using mangled car parts to represent flowers in a structure about three metres tall. Local artists said it was innovative, but many residents deemed it unnecessary.

Organiser of Sculpture in the Paddock Al Phemister was determined in this year's event to start to break down the negative perceptions on sculpture and show how it can play an important part in our culture. 

With $5000 in funding from the National Trust NSW, Mr Phemister was able to attract renowned Sculptors Andy Townsend and Suzie Bleach to Yass High School.

“It is really nice to be able to provide the kids with such exposure. Both Andy and Suzie have been involved in Sculptures by the Sea and other big exhibitions, this year they will be exhibiting at Sculpture in the Paddock for the first time,” he said.  

"Last Friday we took the students to the National Gallery of Australia and Sculpture School, and they were able to think about form and style."

On Monday and Tuesday this week Mr Phemister and the artists worked with the year 9 and 10 art class, providing materials and education on how to create their own sculptures which will be exhibited in a student only exhibition at Cooma Cottage for the duration of Sculpture in the Paddock. 

The students have been working with soapstone and have been using files and drills to shape their works.After the stone was shaped they sanded it back and used wax as polish to complete their sculptures.  

Artist Andy Townsend said the aim of Friday's excursion to the gallery and sculpture school was to show the students the range and variety of sculpture. 

“The Sculpture School was interesting, the students were able to see the process of sculptures and meet students,” Mr Townsend said.  

“They were able to make the realisation that some of the students were only a couple of years older then they are. It suggests to them this could be something in their future, in two or three years time. 

“It's a wonderful world; the world of creativity. A number of students in this group impressed, we think they would be great contenders for ANU in a couple of years.” 

Mr Townsend explained that the class was a way of giving the students a taste of working with new materials and new techniques, and using tools they may not have worked with before. 

From wolves heads and bucking horses, to human hearts and perfume bottles the students were given free reign to let their imagination run free. 

The student exhibition will be on display at Cooma Cottage from September 18.