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 Over the past four decades, the University of Southern Queensland’s McGregor Summer School has become somewhat of an institution for arts practitioners and enthusiasts alike.
From humble beginnings back in January 1969 with three painting classes and 43 students, the Summer School has steadily grown in size and popularity.
Today, the annual School offers up to fifty classes and attracts over 500 students from across the nation and overseas to Toowoomba for the ten-day arts retreat.
Having secured an outstanding line-up of musicians and artists as tutors, McGregor School organisers are now looking forward to the 44th annual Summer School from 4-14 January.
 The 2012 School is offering an extensive range of fine arts classes including oils, acrylics, watercolours, mixed media, pastels, drawing, printmaking, clay and metal sculpture.
Many favourite tutors and classes will return, along with a smattering of exciting new ones.
“This year, we are pleased to be introducing several new visual arts classes:
- Dynamic Oil Painting Portrait Workshop with Joanne Brooker
- Figure Drawing with Ryan Daffurn
- Clay Sculpture with Janna Pameijer
- Preserving Your Heritage in Charcoal, Pen and Watercolour with Mary Argall and
- Drawing the Wild with Linda Weil”
said McGregor Schools Co-ordinator, Christine Matthews.
“One of our McGregor School regulars – and a particular favourite with students - Rex Steele Merten is offering an exciting new class for jewellers and artisans who are interest in expanding their skills into the ancient traditions of heraldic engraving.”
A professional jeweller, artist and engraver, with over fifty years of experience, Rex brings with him a wealth of knowledge which he shares passionately with his students.
Also on offer at the Summer School will be a range of creative arts classes including jewellery making, embroidery, beading, millinery, calligraphy, photography and creative writing.
“We are especially pleased to welcome back amazing Sydney textile artist, Karen Torrisi, returning with her Bead Embroidery workshop and Sydney jeweller and sculptor, Keith Lo Bue with his Precious Little: Poetics of the Found Object workshop.
 “Both workshops are suitable for all levels of participants and have been very popular in the past, with participants going away with some fabulous creations.
“Karen has studied the art of beading in London and Paris and her commissions have included dresses for Delta Goodram; costumes for films including Moulin Rouge, Dark City, Peter Pan, Star Wars II and III; and work for stage productions of Sunset Boulevard, Chicago, Phantom of the Opera and Mamma Mia.”
Enrolments are flooding in from around the country; Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Northern Territory, Tasmania and even as far afield as Ireland.
“Enrolments close on 2 December, and several of our classes are full or filling fast, so we encourage people to call us now to be sure they don’t miss out on a place in the class of their choice.
“Whether they are regulars or newcomers, we are sure they will enjoy the ‘McGregor Experience’.
“McGregor is a meeting-place for like-minded people, with many friendships forged and revisited year after year.
 “It’s the ultimate ten-day package; creating your own masterpieces alongside the best tutors in the country by day and, in the evening, enjoying a full program of social and entertainment options including concerts by some of the best musicians in the country, slide-shows by renowned artists, trivia nights, exhibitions, markets and even a masked ball.”
For further information about the USQ McGregor Schools, visit the McGregor website or phone 07 4631 2755.
Media Contact: Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623
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