Art on the Edge with Sculpture on the Edge
It’s almost time to head to the hinterland for its annual creative extravaganza of art, food and natural beauty! Sculpture on the Edge is back for its 15th year, and Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer’s excitement levels are as high as the Blackall Range.
Flaxton Gardens is stunning year-round with its verdant greenery and expansive views – but every November, something special happens that transforms it into pure magic.
Dotted around this lush space, you’ll find sculptures of all shapes and sizes created by a wide variety of local, national and international artists, adding additional whimsy and beauty to this scenic location and sparking joy, curiosity and imagination for those who visit.
Running from 23 November to 1 December and celebrating its 15th year, Arts Connect Inc’s Sculpture on the Edge exhibition and prize has cemented its status as one of the premier arts events on the Sunshine Coast, getting bigger, better and more edgy (get it?) every year.
This year’s theme, A Creative Feast, will encourage locals and visitors to head to Flaxton Gardens where they can feast on art, food and the views across the Coast from the edge of the Blackall Range.
Featuring hand-carved sculptures, ceramic sculptures, metal sculptures, colourful sculptures, upcycled sculptures, moving sculptures, huge sculptures, tiny sculptures – and everything in between, there’s something new to discover around every corner, indoors and out.
Plus every handcrafted work is available for purchase, so you can add some of that Sculpture on the Edge pizazz to your own home if you fall in love with a special piece!
As well as the sculptural spectacular, there’s a range of workshops, artist talks and foodie events providing a deeply immersive experience, including the opening and closing events – a celebration of local flavours and the artistic community in a beautiful setting.
If you’ve got a creative streak, you’ll love the range of workshops taking place off-site at St Mary’s Hall in Montville, with something available for all levels over the nine days – from beginners to practising artists.
Learn a new skill with fun short workshops such as Carve a Vase with Theresa Darmody; Make a Mosaic Stepping Stone with Monte Lupo Arts; Create a Highland Cow with Lyndell Petersen; and Intro to Stencils with Sarah Sculley.
On the more advanced workshop front, you’ll love to Weave a Sculptured Vessel with Sue Connor; Sculpt Your Own Best Friend with Monte Lupo Arts; Life Drawing with David Bongiorno; and Gesture Live,
a 3-day workshop with Cam Crossley.
Wayne Malkin’s talk How to Succeed as an Artist, Sell and Be Seen will delve into how to make your work more saleable, pricing your art and lots more vital information for building your career, making it a must-do for artists looking to take their brand to the next level.
Tickets for all workshops and talks are on sale now, so be sure to book in quickly before they sell out.
With a total prize pool of $23,000 including the major award of $10,000 generously donated by Flaxton Gardens, Sculpture on the Edge attracts globally recognised artists.
There will be prize categories for Sculptor of the Year; Highly Commended Sculptor; Local Sculptor; Upcycle Sculptor; Encouragement Award; Sculptor’s Choice, and the popular People’s Choice – don’t forget to vote for your favourite when you visit!
The line-up for the 2024 event is still top-secret at the time of going to print, but with more than 90 artists from around Australia, it’s sure to be at the cutting edge of the contemporary sculpture scene.
“We can’t wait to welcome visitors from near and far and invite them to immerse themselves in the diverse, inspiring range of artworks at this year’s Sculpture on the Edge,” said Event Coordinator Debbie Weaver.
“There’s always something new to discover, and this 15th year promises to be extra exciting in terms of the talent on display.”
See you on the edge!
Sculpture on the Edge
23 November-1 December 2024, 8am-2pm.
Flaxton Gardens, 313-323 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton.
Day passes are now on sale:
$10 adult; $5 concession + booking fee; under 17 free.
To review the program, book day passes and workshop tickets, volunteer or sign up to the e-newsletter to receive updates on the latest news and special offers, visit: www.sculptureontheedge.com.au
