From Buckingham Palace to USQ

A professional wood carver, whose portfolio includes carvings on the Australian State Coach that was presented to Queen Elizabeth II, will share his craft with students at this year's McGregor Summer School, commencing today (Wednesday 3 January 2007).

Laurens Otto has been professionally carving wood for more than 35 years and his work is included in public and private collections throughout the world, including Australia, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Papua New Guinea and the USA.

He has been teaching his craft since 1976 and over the years has worked extensively as a tutor in New South Wales and Queensland, including previous McGregor Schools.

'This year will be my 23rd year teaching at the McGregor schools and I keep coming back because of the great experiences that I have had at them,' Mr Otto said.

'I have spent nearly a year of my life on the campus through the tutoring that I have done and I get the chance each year to network with people that I would not normally meet.'

During the Summer School Laurens will be running the Traditional Furniture Making with Woodcarving workshop in partnership with Geoff Hannah, who is another well-known Australian artist for his furniture making skills.

'Between Geoff and myself we have been tutoring at the McGregor schools for 50 years,' Mr Otto said.

'The classes that we run have experienced students as well as those who are trying carving for the first time, with both women and men taking part.'

The workshop is fully booked, which is not surprising given his reputation. His father was also a master carver, having carved the Australian Coat of Arms for Parliament House.

Students will create a two door French polished wall display cabinet with carvings during the workshop, which will be on display at the student exhibition on 13 January.

'Each year it is a challenge with the new students and it is also enjoyable seeing the progress of the people who are coming back.

'I am happy to do it.  It is a lot of fun.'

Running for 10 days the McGregor Summer School attracts more than 500 students from across Australia and internationally. Students can select from one of 49 workshops offered in Creative, Performing and Visual Arts or Music and learn from masters of the craft.

The McGregor Summer School has now been running for 39 years and continues to grow in popularity with several of the workshops sold out.

For further information on the McGregor Summer School.

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977