by Vivienne Linnett
Recently I attended another highly enjoyable and productive McGregor Winter School at USQ in Toowoomba. This was my second Winter School, this time choosing to stay off campus, whereas last year, as a first timer, I lived in.
Having become enthusiastic about painting early last year, I set out to find some tuition to fast track my impatience to improve faster than I was progressing alone. I came across McGregor School's advertisement, which seemed like the perfect arts retreat. A whole week of painting and socialising with fellow artists and no cooking in sight!
I sent in my enrolment as soon as bookings opened early in the year, and waited with much anticipation until early July arrived.
The week lived up to my expectations. I arrived on the Sunday afternoon to check in and get my room allocation. Students are allowed to unload their art equipment on the Sunday afternoon, so I found my classroom and claimed a good spot in the room. Then it was over to the dining hall to meet some fellow students and have a welcome drink. My tutor, Ron Hindmarsh was also there, so I had a chance to meet him and break the ice. The atmosphere on the first evening was excited, with everyone itching to get started the next morning. 
Students are accommodated in the McGregor college rooms which are comfortable and well equipped. Not knowing what to expect my first time there, I brought plenty of warm gear which really wasn't necessary as the heating works well and the showers are hot.
Monday morning dawned cold and clear and my promise to myself to walk every morning didn't last past the second day in the early morning winter darkness. Once the necessary formalities were dealt with in the induction and welcome address, it was time to get the paints working. The tuition was excellent and catered for individuals as well as the group. Our tutor made us all feel very welcome and first day nerves in a new situation quickly disappeared. There was plenty of help and lots of advice as to how to improve.
Our tutor was quite structured in his approach to the class, but there was plenty of room for individual projects as the week went on.
For residential students there is always plenty to do in the evenings. Monday night is quiz nights, with students forming teams with new and old friends, although after all the excitement and first day concentration, I had an early night. Tuesday night there is a showing of tutors' slides. This gives you a wonderful snapshot of what other classes are doing, and which tutor you might like to book in to next year. Thursday night, tutors and students hold the McGregor market, where hand crafted items are available for sale at very reasonable prices. I must admit, I indulged in some very beautiful hand made silver jewellery which draws comments whenever I wear it.
Of course the week always ends too soon and before you can blink, it's Friday night and people are exchanging contact details and making farewells. There is a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement by the end of the week. This is tempered with a little sadness that the week of total escape and concentration on shared passions is over until next year.
This year I was back again, staying off campus. While the classes held the same enjoyment and sense of achievement, staying on campus is definitely better in terms of the whole experience and getting the most out of the living on campus atmosphere.
Be careful, there is a real chance you are likely to become a McGregor School convert. There are many students who have been coming for years, to learn and share the great McGregor experience while at the same time, achieve something wonderfully creative. Like them, I'm coming next year.
More information on the next workshop at Mcgregor on the Bay
4 days from 17-20 September 2010
Workshop Location:
University of Southern Queensland
Fraser Coast Campus
161 Old Maryborough Road
HERVEY BAY
|
