USQ welcomes McGregor Winter School participants

Ron Hindmarsh returns to USQ as a tutor at the McGregor Winter School

Next week, art enthusiasts from across the nation will converge on USQ's Toowoomba campus for the McGregor Winter School from July 5-9.

This year, a total of fourteen classes are on offer at the annual arts retreat which have attracted a record number of enrolments.

'All of our classes are at capacity; a record attendance for the number of classes on offer,' said McGregor Schools Coordinator, Christine Matthews.

'While many of our students come from the south-east Queensland area, we have been pleasantly surprised by an increased number of enrolments from further afield including Victoria and New Zealand.'

Over the past 23 years, the Winter School has established itself as one of the nation’s premier arts retreats, providing an intimate and creative atmosphere for participants to learn alongside high profile tutors from across the country.

'Many of our tutors have long-term associations with the McGregor Schools, returning year after year with popular and new classes and this year is no exception, with nine favourites returning along with five new tutors.

'Brisbane artist Cees Sliedrecht, Melbourne artist Amanda Hyatt, Lismore printmaker, Christine Porter, Brisbane silversmith David Clayton and local artist, Deb Gilmartin will be making their McGregor debut.'

Between them, the tutors will present a variety of visual and creative arts workshops including painting, drawing, printmaking, hand-forging, jewellery making and digital photography.

Even though the School is booked-out, there are still ways members of the community can take part in the McGregor experience.

'The Winter School Tutors’ Market on Thursday evening will be a great opportunity for members of the public visit the campus to view and purchase exciting new works of art and craft by our renowned tutors.

The Markets commence at 7.30pm in the USQ McGregor Dining Hall on Thursday 8 July – admission is free and all are welcome.

For further information about the USQ McGregor Schools phone 07 4631 2755 or visit www.usq.edu.au/mcgregor

Contact Details:
Michelle Fox, USQ Artsworx, +61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623