Mr King is renowned for his oversized carved and constructed wood sculptures and takes influence from farm life and issues around the environment and humanity.

He has won an array of prizes including Sculpture by the Sea's major prize in 2013. All of King's creations tell a story about life on the land with his messages spreading far and wide including to Denmark where he was invited to exhibit at Sculpture by the Sea Aarhus, an exhibition set up by Prince Frederik and Princess Mary in Denmark.

Past events have been opened by Wendy Whiteley, Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore, sculptor Paul Selwood and respected art scholar, Edmund Capon AM OBE.

"We are delighted to have Stephen King open the event this year, said Kay Norton-Knight, Founder and Curator of SIG.

"He is an incredibly well known and respected sculptor and has inspired many others to follow this creative pursuit. We feel his wealth of knowledge and passion for sculpture will be a wonderful addition to this year's event."

Up and coming Walcha based sculptor Ben Tooth will also have work on show in the exhibit.

The organisers say Sculptures in the Garden is arguably the largest and most renowned regional sculpture exhibition in NSW, with over 3,500 visitors in 2018 alone and growth continuing year on year.

Situated in Mudgee, New South Wales at Rosby Vineyard and set amongst country gardens and vineyard vistas, it provides the perfect backdrop to some of Australia's most talented artists and their works.

"It is truly an event not to be missed," said Kay Norton-Knight.

"This year will see over 100 artists exhibit 250 pieces of work, with the total value of the prizes and acquisitions now totalling over $40,000."

There is a $300 Sculptors Society Sensory Sculpture prize and a SIG for Kids exhibition that involves local schools and budding young artists.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork with the winner to receive a $500 People's Choice Award.

This is the ninth consecutive year it has been held and the event will be open on October 12 and 13. This is expected to be the biggest year yet. Proceeds from the weekend exhibition are used to purchase public art for the Mudgee Sculpture Walk in a joint venture with Mid-Western Regional Council. Revenue collected at the gate and from catering goes to back the Mudgee Support