Carpenter Tony Haley’s current project isn’t your average do-it-yourself weekend job.
The Yandina tradesman is patiently furnishing his house with beautiful hand-crafted, wooden furniture, one McGregor Summer School at a time.
This year Mr Haley has returned to the University of Southern Queensland’s Toowoomba campus for his 11th summer school — the Bespoke Furniture Making with Woodcarving class.
Despite his decades of experience working with wood as a builder, Mr Haley said the McGregor Schools had refined his trade skills to a much finer craft.
“Over the years I’ve crafted tables, clocks, bookshelves and chairs and I’ve learned all those skills here at McGregor,” Mr Haley said.
“I keep coming back year after year because I’m furnishing my house, one piece of wood furniture at a time.”
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Sharna Norman was attending her first summer school in the Expand Your Photographic Horizons course.
Sharna travelled from her hometown of Cairns where she plans to study a Diploma of Photo Imaging later this year.
“I wanted to come to McGregor to learn to use my camera more efficiently,” she said.
“I love photographing landscapes but I’m really passionate about learning the secrets to photographing people.”
Sharna and Tony are just two of the more than 350 students from across Australia attending the 45th McGregor Summer School — Australia’s largest and longest running residential performing, visual and creative arts school.
Students are taking part in a wide range of classes covering everything from music, painting, sculpting, calligraphy, crafts, jewellery-making, millinery, photography and even ukulele playing.
USQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Jan Thomas welcomed the cohort at the beginning of the 2013 event, encouraging them to “make friends and embrace the creativity”.
“I think it’s a sign of a healthy and mature society when creative arts flourish,” Professor Thomas said.
Much of the students’ work will go on display for the public later this week with live performances and art exhibitions — see below for further details.
For more information about future McGregor schools, including the Winter and the brand new Spring school, visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor
Tutors' Evening Concerts
These concerts will be held on 15 and 16 January at 7.30pm in the Arts Theatre and entry is $5.00 at the door.
Free lunchtime concerts
A series of free concerts will be presented by the students on 15, 16 and 17 January at 1.00pm in the USQ Arts Theatre.
Music Theatre Concert
The Music Theatre students will perform at 7.30pm on Thursday 17 January in the Arts Theatre and entry is $5.00 at the door.
Gala Students' Concert
Toowoomba's historic Empire Theatre plays host to the McGregor Summer School students' finale concert. A tour-de-force of orchestral, ensemble and vocal performances, the evening will bring together the McGregor Summer School Orchestra, Stage Band, String Ensemble, Concert Band, Brass Band and Choir. Over 100 talented young musicians and singers will rise to the occasion under the direction of Alan Smith, Peter Luff and Shaun Dorney. The concert commences at 7.30pm on Friday 18 January in the Empire Theatre. Tickets are $20.00 adult, $16.00 concession, $13.00 children under twelve and available through the Empire Theatre Box Office on 1300 655 299 or at the door.
McGregor Arts Festival
On Saturday 19 January, a celebration of the McGregor Summer School incorporating students' exhibitions in the USQ Refectory and studios from 12noon and performances by various music groups from 2.00pm in the USQ Arts Theatre, culminating with the performance by the Summer School Orchestra of the 1812 Overture at 3.00pm - come early so you don't miss out on a seat! All are welcome to enjoy a free afternoon of Arty activities at the University's picturesque Toowoomba campus.
Media contact;
Jim Campbell, USQ Media, +617 4631 2977, jim.campbell@usq.edu.au
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