Where art and nature collide: Arts Connect on the Sunshine Coast 

Member Feature Article written by Lucy Stokes

High in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, where mountain views stretch beyond rolling green lawns, art doesn’t sit quietly inside; it lives and breathes in the open air.  

For Arts Connect Inc, this fusion of creativity and landscape is key to the success of its signature annual event, Sculpture on the Edge. Now celebrating its 16th year, the nine-day exhibition has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, drawing more and more visitors annually to the breathtaking surrounds of Flaxton Gardens.  

For the organisation’s president Jen Braithwaite, the event is both exhilarating and deeply personal.  

“It’s really exciting, being surrounded by volunteers, everyone works together,” she says. “The Flaxton staff feel like family, it’s a true partnership. We couldn’t do it without Flaxton Gardens and their hospitality, and most importantly our volunteers.”  

Over the years, the event has grown far beyond a sculpture exhibition, breaking down the formalities of the traditional gallery experience. Artists and volunteers alike stand alongside the sculptures, engaging directly with visitors, with conversations sparking naturally about technique, inspiration, and meaning.  

“You never know if you’re talking to an art collector or a family just having a good time, and that’s the beauty of the event,” she says.  

Being truly a community event, there is no pressure to interact or interpret the art; visitors wander through the gardens at their own pace, often staying for hours, enjoying the mountain air and stopping for tea while reflecting on what they see. 

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the hinterland mountains, the sculptures interact with nature itself.  

Behind the seamless experience are the volunteers who contribute across the nine days. Their roles range from front-of-house welcoming and ticketing to installation support and artist liaison.  

While the organisation continues to seek more volunteers, at times having artists themselves step in to fill gaps, many describe the opportunity as uniquely rewarding. Artists gain confidence in speaking about their work and connect with audiences they may never otherwise encounter at traditional events.  

As a practicing artist herself, Jen views the event as more than logistics. Describing the event as a social gathering, a way to reconnect with her own creative practice and with the broader arts community on the Sunshine Coast.  

One of her sculptures last year; ‘Adira’, is described as symbolising the strength found in stillness and the delicate balance between fragility and resilience. Being a volunteer herself, she was able to discuss the piece and interact with visitors seeking a deeper understanding of the work, something unique to this event.   

Moments like this encapsulate what Sculpture on the Edge is about: connection, storytelling and shared humanity. With anticipated visitor numbers growing, Arts Connect is focused not only on artistic growth but professional development, hoping to expand into open studios for artists in 2026. The initiative aims to teach artists how to run successful open studios, manage the business side of their practice, and confidently interact with visitors. 

“It’s about personal growth, not just artistic development,” she says. “It connects emerging artists right through to professionals and art lovers.”  

Arts Connect continues to prove that creativity flourishes best when rooted in collaboration, generosity and place. The success of Sculpture on the Edge is a testament to the work of Jen Braithwaite and the amazing team of volunteers who put their time and passion for art into the event. 

Looking to join a vibrant group of passionate artists and support your community? Learn more about how you can volunteer at artsconnectinc.com.au.