by Janine Hill

THIS year’s Sculpture on the Edge event will bring the sort of artistic learning opportunities usually only found in the capital cities or interstate.

Besides showing the sculptures of about 200 finalists, Sculpture on the Edge, at Flaxton Gardens from November 23 to December 10, will include a program of more than 40 workshops over 18 days. 

Sydney-based painters Jessica Ashton and Robert Dujin will be among those leading masterclasses.

Jessica, twice a finalist in Australia’s most famous portrait competition, the Archibald Prize, and a teacher at the Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney, will run two one-day masterclasses in portrait painting.

Robert Dujin, who has also taught at Julian Ashton, as well as the Royal Art Society and Production Art Department, will teach plein-air landscape painting. 

Gretchen Keelty, director of Sculpture on the Edge, said the event presented a rare opportunity for artists to learn from some of Australia’s best without having to leave home.

“These are two of Australia’s most promising painters and two of the country’s best painting teachers. We have a rare opportunity for locals to have them here, at home,” Gretchen said.

“Normally artists have to move to Sydney and study at the Julian Ashton Art School to learn from the greats. Instead, Sculpture on the Edge is bringing these brilliant teachers here.”

Gretchen said there would be workshops for beginners through to more experienced artists wanting to develop their talents.

Recognised Palmwoods sculptor Cam Crossley, Coast local Cheryl Nonmus of the Paintbox Art School, and Monte Lupo Arts, which mentors artists with disabilities, are among those who will present workshops.

Participants can learn how to make wall mermaids, planters and figurines from clay, wax figurines for mold casting, animal sculptures from felt, porcelain keep cups, and male and female portraits and figures in clay. There will also be workshops for children on how to make papier mache magpies and festive lanterns.

Gretchen said most of the workshops would be indoors or undercover while some would be outdoors, pending weather.

“As a result of having this wonderful venue, we’re able to offer more workshops and spaces,” she said.

 Find out more at sculptureontheedge.com.au.