Sculpture on the Edge

The Sculpture on the Edge 2023 Festival is almost here! Get ready for 18 days of a hands-on, inspiring sculpture exhibition, including artist talks, workshops and specially curated events.

Flaxton Gardens, for the second year running, is hosting the main exhibition, with satellite events occurring across the hinterland.

Festival Director, Gretchen Keelty, said, “We have a very exciting performance at the Official Opening... the details still are under wraps. The night will include the announcement of the winners, special guests, VIPS and finalists...It will be a night not to be missed!

“The Sculpted Dinner will again be the gala fundraising event - a night like no one has experienced before, bringing together artists to collaborate and take guests on a journey of the senses. The menu will be a collaboration between the Flaxton Gardens team, and food stylist and artist Jaime Reyes, highlighting incredible local produce.

“A unique performance by international avante-garde multimedia artist Justene WIlliams, who is also a judge this year, will be the pinnacle of the evening.”

There are plenty of workshops happening, which Gretchen is excited about. “We have LOTS of workshops.... with more to come. Some already confirmed are multiple Archibald Finalist, Jessica Ashton, will be flying up from Sydney to deliver two Masterclasses in Portraiture on December 2 and 3.

“We also have Robert Dujin flying up to do Plein Air painting, with his landscape masterclass on December 2 and 3, and MonteLupo running workshops in clay every day for 18 days. MonteLupo also specialises in accommodating people with disabilities.”

The workshop Gretchen said always sells out fast is Laine Cooper’s Wax to Bronze, which gives you a rare opportunity to make your very own bronze sculpture.

“These one-day workshops on November 23 and 24 give participants the chance to make wax pieces with the option of bronze casting and a tour of Chalko's foundry.”

Cam Crossley also reprises his hugely popular two-day workshops: Male Figure in Clay on November 23 and 24; Female Figure in Clay November 25 and 26; Female Portrait in Clay, December 7 and 8, and Male Portrait in Clay, December 9 and 10. (One of Cam Crossley’s sculptures pictured, in clay and bronze.)

“We are also holding a comprehensive series of Professional Development Workshops for artists, which will look at very practical things such as how to write an Artist's Bio, how to sell your work, how to run your art business, how to photograph your work and much more.”

Artist Talks and demonstrations at 10am and 2pm daily will be a highlight for many visitors. Tours of the whole exhibition will also be running on a daily basis.

“We want everyone to be able to immerse themselves in creativity!”

To book for the workshops, special events and Sculpted Dinner, visit sculptureontheedge.com.au