Arty eco-coffins celebrate life

With the environment high on many people’s agendas, the latest exhibition at the Butter Factory Arts Centre shows how people are making their final decision in life a positive one for the planet.

Environmentally-friendly cardboard coffins decorated by local artists are the focus of this unique exhibition opening on 24 July.

And it’s not just the environment that benefits from the eco-friendly coffins according to local funeral consultant and celebrant Chris Dunn. Families also benefit from decorating a coffin in celebration of their loved one’s life, loves and achievements.

“I saw how people were drawn to cardboard coffins that were painted or decorated with images that reflected the life of the person who had died, and I decided to show the community how unique and uplifting coffins can be,” Ms Dunn said.

Chris came up with the idea of a coffin exhibition when facing her own mortality after three bouts of cancer. She realised that one of the most confronting parts of a funeral can be the coffin that draws everyone’s attention.

“For family and friends to be directly involved in decorating their loved one’s coffin it can really help them through their mourning process, because it provides the opportunity to reflect on the positive things that person achieved during their life.

“A lot of people find death confronting, but as someone who has planned my own funeral when I was very sick, I found this approach very empowering,” she said.

The exhibition Sea Change, Tree Change, Coffins Change features a selection of seven coffins, which have been painted in bright colours by seven Sunshine Coast artists, will be on display at the Butter Factory Arts Centre, 10 Maple Street Cooroy from 24 July to 11 August.

This project was funded through Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).

The Butter Factory is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10am-4pm. Entry is free.

Artists involved:

Larian Sloan of Maleny

Jan Scullion of Beerwah

Helen M Downs of Glasshouse Mountains

De Greer Yindimincarlie from the Blue House Art Gallery, Landsborough

Eva King of Eudlo

Bruce Ellem of Clear Mountain (formerly Bli Bli)

Victoria Fitzpatrick of Bli Bli