Renowned artists' retreat celebrates 40 years

The University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) McGregor Summer School will celebrate 40 years as one of Australia's premier arts retreats when the 2008 school opens on Wednesday, 9 January 2008.

A special 40th Anniversary Dinner, commemorative book and jazz concert have been organised as part of the celebrations over the School's ten days.

McGregor Schools Client Liaison Officer Liz Newbury said the commemorative book Celebrating 40 years of the McGregor Summer School 1969 – 2008 was a great memento of the Schools.

'It is a collection of stories from tutors, students and staff of memories from 40 years of McGregor.'

Mrs Newbury said the experienced tutors and the intensive environment have contributed to the long-running success of the McGregor Summer School.

'I think the quality tutors and the opportunity for students to immerse themselves in their passion for ten days have made it so successful,' Mrs Newbury said.

'Some people save all year to come. It's all ages doing all sorts of things. We are the longest running creative, visual and performing arts retreat.'

Beginning in 1969 the School has grown from three classes and 43 students to more than 50 classes with around 515 students.

A small number of places are still available for the 2008 retreat in classes such as ceramics, calligraphy and digital photography.

'We still have a few places in the pottery class with renowned Canadian tutor Matthias Ostermann working with Maiolica ceramics,' Mrs Newbury said.

An exhibition of the works produced over the ten days is open to the public on Saturday, 19 January 2008 from 12:30pm.

Members of the community are also welcome to attend the jazz afternoon on Sunday, 13 January 2008 and concerts throughout the duration of the school.

To purchase a copy of Celebrating 40 years of the McGregor Summer School 1969 – 2008  and for more information on the McGregor Summer School visit the website www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor or contact the administration office on (07) 4631 2755.

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559