An art4place artists' celebration

Last night art4place members and Peace in the Trees sandstone sculptural artists joined together in a celebration at Maleny Retreat.

The event had a number of purposes but the most important were thanking the Maleny Retreat Gang for allowing us to do the Peace in the Trees placemaking art activity on their property; officially launch the Peace in the Trees installation with the artists who created the sandstone monoliths; and officially close Creative Spaces 2012.


The 5.5minute video below takes you on a walk visiting  the sandstone monoliths that make up Peace in the Trees.

And of course there are many other photos of artists checking the installation out and generally celebrating this achievement. There was a real joyful spirit as folk wandered around and checked out, admired and discussed the monoliths.

©2012 Fiona Dempster - Artists gather for the launch of Peace in the Trees

©2012 Barry Smith - Folk wandering - checking out the 12 sandstone monoliths

©2012 Noela Mills - Cathy L and Christine E enjoying the celebration

©Noela Mills - Ken M resting, bubbles in hand, on his reclining monolith - Be Still

There is something special about a community of artists gathering, celebrating and just connecting; and what better event to do that at than the launch of Peace in the Trees.

Visiting Peace in the Trees

On the 6 October the public were able to access three Creative Spaces 2012 activities: Noela's installation of sails - Sailing Inland; Cathy and children's display of the Creatures of the Obi Obi in the Maleny Library; and the sculptural installation Peace in the Trees.

The Peace in the Trees sculptural installation of 12 sandstone monoliths is located in trees at Maleny Retreat. The monoliths were carved by  12 local artists who volunteered two days of their time to create pieces that reflected nature, the environment or some aspect of peace and peacefulness.  Wendy van der Drift is a member of art4place; and she and other residents of Maleny Retreat (Maria, Michael and Roman) gave permission for this installation to be carved, installed and open to the public at certain times.

On Saturday 6 October the installation was open for the second time between 10am and 4pm. As you can see from the photos below couples and small groups of visitors took the opportunity to view this unique sculptural installation.  

©2012 E-A Murray - Visiting Peace in the Trees 1

©2012 E-A Murray - Visiting Peace in the Trees 2

©2012 E-A Murray - Visiting Peace in the Trees 3

As visitors meandered through the trees they could stop and reflect on each of the monoliths - the 12 artists had provided a brief description of the message behind their work.

©2012 E-A Murray - Judy G's - Reflection 

©2012 E-A Murray - Kim M's - Solace 

©2012 E-A Murray - Carolyn S's - Heartfelt 

To some visitors it may have seemed that the 12 artists have made but a small impression on the large stones as much of the stone remains natural and unmarked by chisel and hammer. One of the important aspects of this placemaking art installation is to let the combination of sculptural work and the stones themselves tell their story - nature will continue the creative process.

These monoliths will peacefully merge more with the trees as they age; and visitors will be invited to reflect on peace and the natural environment that is so much a part of Maleny Retreat.