Events

Emily Young, Digital collage of work by participating artists, 2022

I’m Picking Up (What You’re Putting Down) is a collaborative group exhibition by Toowoomba based artists.  Utilising a framework of reciprocal making, each artist will create work in response to their colleagues as an inquiry into the experimental possibilities of their shared studio space.

Booking not required.

Peter Osborn, Earth Painting #1, 2021

The exhibition represents a synthesis of the creative research outputs of PhD candidates Peter Osborn and Johanna Park.  The duo exhibition explores a shared interest in the influence of time upon both the natural and built environments, exploring how our experience of time visually manifests within seemingly disparate spatial contexts.

Booking not required.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Estimated Materials Cost: $0, bring your own camera and laptop (with Photoshop on it)

Workshop Outline

This intermediate/advanced level workshop with professional photographer and Leica Australia ambassador Russell Shakespeare, provides an insight into the life of a professional working photographer, with tips on how to make a living as a photographer as well as developing long term personal photography projects. You’ll learn how to photograph people
for publication, documentary style – on site and in a studio, specifically, how to plan and prepare for a photoshoot, studio lighting on location, and in the studio, how to document research trips, how to up your post production game and self-publish.

Russell Shakespeare is a Photographer working in digital and analogue, based on the Gold Coast. His work has been published in many national magazines and newspapers, including The New York Times, Qantas Magazine, Gourmet Traveller, The Deal, Q Weekend, The Good Weekend, Time, Australian Traveller, Financial Review and The Weekend Australian magazine, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and in books by, among others, The Magnum Foundation, Australian Geographic, The Museum of Brisbane and The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation.

Awards include The Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize (four times Finalist, 2007-2014), Black and White Photographer of the Year (Documentary, Finalist, 2015), National Photographic Portrait Prize (two times Finalist, 2020,2011), Olive Cotton Exhibition (six times Finalist, 2006- 2021) and Walkley Award for Journalism (best news photograph, 1995). Works in collections include the Queensland Art Gallery, Brisbane, Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah, Redcliffe Art Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, Canberra.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $45

Workshop Outline

Learn a variety of weaving practices that embody storytelling and knowledge sharing. 

This workshop explores techniques of weaving, including woven sculptures made from repurposed twine, raffia, bamboo and emu feathers.

Kim Ah Sam is a Kuku Yalanji and Kalkadoon woman whose art practice is based around her cultural and spiritual identity. An abiding theme of her work is investigating ways of spiritually, reconnecting with her father’s country, the Kalkadoon. Kim works across drypoint, etching, weaving, printmaking and paper making. Kim’s weaving process is often collaborative, involving storytelling and knowledge-sharing, a practice which is deeply embedded in First Nations communities Australia-wide. Kim has recently shown at Milani Gallery, Vivian Andersen Gallery, the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair at Cairns Regional Art Gallery, and has recently undertaken a residency at the Brisbane Museum. Her work is held in the collection at the Museum of Brisbane, QUT and recent public artwork includes projects in Ipswich City Council and Rio Tinto.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $80

Unclothed Life Model Session

Workshop Outline

Adventure into the world of drawing with a focus on the figure. This workshop will supercharge your technical drawing skills, using graphite pencils and charcoal to accelerate your technique and anatomical understanding of the most difficult parts of figure drawing, focussing on the head, hands and feet. Broaden your knowledge of technique with a deep dive into shading, blending, accent lines, the weight of a mark and the nature of light and tonal patterns and shapes to describe form.

David is a figurative artist working in Maleny. Fascinated by the portrayal of the figure in art as
a young child, he has been compelled to pursue it ever since. Recurring themes in his work explore the inherent beauty in form, the decorative potential of the nude and personal interpretations of his life.

Consistently exploring media and techniques, his studies of anatomy, composition and art history inform his keen interest in the human figure. David also uses his experience in management to drive his vision for a flourishing art culture in his community through curating, event collaborations and teaching.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $30 – $40

Workshop Outline

Up-cycle your old clothes into fantastic rag rugs or 3D sculptural vessels using off-loom, no-sew and spiral braiding. The luxury of five days will allow you to push the boundaries of this terrific technique and apply spiral braiding to whatever participants care to create.

We’ll work from basic to advanced techniques including round, rectangular, 3D, cross-hatching and multiple working edges, weaving in as we go so there is no stitching up required. A range of design possibilities emerge as we play with tone, texture and contrast. Bring your own material to recycle and find out what riches can come from rags.

Ilka White’s practice spans sculpture and installation, textiles, art- in-community and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Ilka undertook a Churchill Fellowship, learning from weavers of traditional textiles in Indonesia, India, Nepal and Bhutan. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Monash University and an Associate Diploma in Studio Textiles from Melbourne Institute of Textiles (now RMIT). Ilka taught Contemporary Art and Design, Weaving and Textile History at RMIT University and was teaching artist in residence at ANU School of Art. Ilka has exhibited internationally and her work is represented in the public collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria, RMIT University and private collections in Australia, U.K. and U.S.A. Her work appears in a variety of publications including Textiles: The Art of Mankind (Thames & Hudson, London. 2012), Art Textiles of the World – Australia Vol. 2 (Telos Art Publishing, U.K. 2007), The Melbourne Design Guide (Lab.3000, 2006) and Handmade in Melbourne (GSP Books, Melbourne 2006).

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $350

Workshop Outline

This painting workshop will explore the fun, free flowing technique of Alla Prima, a ‘wet on wet’ oil painting technique. Participants will be guided in a relaxed environment to explore mark making and brush techniques and enjoy the instant gratification of finished works created in a single sitting.

This is a fun, hands-on introduction to oil painting, focussing on the no fuss approach that the Alla Prima technique lends itself to. Artist Lauren Jones will guide you through the basics of using oils and share her impressionistic, free flowing and fast approach to creating vibrant and dynamic still life paintings. Be prepared to get messy and loosen up with some gestural painting exercises and explore the genre of still life through new arrangements and themes each day. Participants will learn how to represent colour, light, tone and form to create atmosphere in finished artworks. Discover fresh ways of seeing compositions and still life scenes within a relaxed environment. Over this five day workshop participants will take home many finished artworks.

Lauren Jones is a visual artist based on the Sunshine Coast. Working primarily in oils, her feminine portraits and still life scenes speak of moments captured in time. Lauren’s works, executed with bold and immediate brushstrokes, are evocative and impressionistic. Her art exquisitely showcases the materiality of paint and celebrates the process of painting.

Born in 1989 in Queensland, Jones earned a Bachelor
of Arts (Creative Literature) from the Sunshine Coast University in 2009, and in 2012, a Bachelor of Fine
Art (Painting) from Monash University. Lauren is represented by Michael Reid Northern Beaches – Sydney, NSW, Studio Gallery Group, Melbourne, Vic and CLO Studios in Noosa, Qld. Currently Jones works from her home studio in the Noosa Hinterland, Queensland.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $350

Workshop Outline

This class will explore a range of alternative materials in jewellery led by student choices. Students will learn low-tech casting techniques, found object printing, working with stone and glass, reticulated silver and design and construction skills to create original, highly creative and wearable artworks that carry personal stories of the maker.

Rebecca Ward is a contemporary jeweller and artist based in Maleny where she works from her off-grid solar powered studio on Stoney Edge Nature Refuge. Her work is ‘material focused’ using a variety of natural materials and repurposed found objects to create jewellery and small objects. Rebecca exhibits widely and her work is housed in
the collection of the Art Gallery of South Australia. She collaborates on large-scaled public art sculpture projects with her artist partner, Russell Anderson. Rebecca enjoys devising and delivering art workshops for adults and children and is constantly inspired by the creative students she meets.

Level: All 18+

Estimated Materials Cost: $50 -$150

Workshop Outline

Come to this course ready to experiment and explore. It introduces students to some of the fundamentals of the vitreous enamelling process using opaque and transparent enamels on copper sheet, foil and mesh, as well as silver. While emphasis will be on kiln fired enamel there will be an opportunity to try torch fired enamelling. Students will experiment and develop skills through the production of a series of samples and are encouraged to bring examples of work as a starting point to discuss ideas.

Simple setting methods suitable for enamel will be discussed, as well as other techniques used to incorporate enamel as a highlight into jewellery works. As the course emphasis is on exploration, you may end up with lots of test pieces, rather than a finished item.

Catherine Large is a contemporary jeweller and metalsmith based in Brisbane, Queensland. She has a Masters of Visual Art and teaches in Jewellery and Small Objects QCA, Griffith University and at the Brisbane Institute of Art.

Catherine draws on her experiences of travel and the nature of ‘stuff’ to inform her work in jewellery, objects and flatware. Enamel and re-use of materials feature in her work. Catherine has been the recipient of a number of grants and she regularly exhibits her work in exhibitions both nationally and internationally. Her work is held in both public and private collections.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $100

Workshop Outline

Learn about Torres Strait Island culture and lino cutting as a traditional medium. In this workshop, Glen Mackie will assist in the development of your lino cutting technique then guide you to develop drawings to carve, focussing on composition and mark making. Finally, you will print your works and share stories.

Born on Yam Island in the Torres Strait, Glen Mackie has been elected as Yam Island’s ‘official’ storyteller. Glen’s mission is to keep the sacred stories alive. In Glen’s works, art and law are combined heroically with the figures woven into rhythmic patterns of design. Glen has exhibited recently at Canopy Arts Centre in Cairns, Firework Gallery in Brisbane, the Sydney Contemporary Art Fair and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, as well as being a finalist in the Telstra Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards and the National Works on Paper Award in Victoria. Paintings, prints and sculpted objects by Glen are held in numerous private and public collections nationally, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the National Gallery of Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria and the Queensland Art Museum.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $90

Workshop Outline

This painting workshop will explore paint application, composition, scale, mark making and colour through looking at the portrait, landscape, still life, figure and life drawing. Students will be encouraged to explore and find what excites them when creating, then be able to develop one genre or explore more with Daniel’s guidance.

Daniel Butterworth is a figurative artist, who uses images of himself in much of his work to express social, political and personal views. Having started his working life as a sign-writer, Daniel later completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Latrobe University and has been a practising artist for more than 20 years. Dan has had numerous solo and group exhibitions and has been a finalist in a large number of high profile portrait prizes, including the Doug Moran Portraiture Prize and the Archibald. Daniel is now in demand as a guest artist and teacher in Australia. Daniel works from his studio in Kyneton, Victoria.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $250

Workshop Outline

This expansive workshop will outline an approach to an impressionist style of painting using acrylic paint and will also allow you to develop your own style. The workshop covers a range of approaches to different subject matter starting with streetscapes then progressing into landscapes, which will be taught using the Japanese Gardens on campus as a reference point. The workshop will then do a deep dive into capturing still life, figures and the basics of portraiture. David’s approach demonstrates how to capture feeling in a painting through the depiction of light.

Dr David Hinchliffe has been painting and selling his works for over 50 years with more than 100 solo shows to his name. In the last 15 years his ‘contemporary impressionist’ paintings have met with international commercial success.
Born and educated in Toowoomba, he is now a Brisbane resident who travels Australia and the world exhibiting, selling and teaching. The Japanese Society of Artists refer to him as a master. David is a member of the distinguished Salmagundi Club of Artists in New York and has recently been included in the international Mastrius US-based mentoring program.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $200

Workshop Outline

Watercolour can be most captivating when we allow it some freedom. In this workshop, you will be encouraged to utilise the watercolour medium’s unique unpredictability, encouraging pigments and water to flow in unexpected ways, creating excitement and vibrancy. You will observe Annette’s comprehensive demonstrations and be given time to practice and experiment. Annette will share her extensive knowledge of watercolour techniques, including colour mixing, brush control and wash applications. Annette will inspire you to see new possibilities and interpret everyday subjects using vibrant colour and dynamic compositions. Each day you will be introduced to a new painting approach and subject.

Annette Raff has an extensive knowledge of art and design fundamentals and is skilled in drawing and watercolour painting. Annette is a sought-after teacher, having taught at TAFE, Artist Network University, Royal Qld Art Society, Bienarté Art School, and regional art workshops. Annette enjoys exploring new ways with drawing, water mediums, printing, digital art and mixed media, and loves to experiment with unconventional surfaces, and using watercolour in non-traditional ways. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and Advanced Certificate in Art and Design.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $100

Workshop Outline

This course will involve getting into a daily habit of drawing in the context of a sketchbook. With a simple materials kit you can carry everywhere, you will discover that you can be opportunistic about drawing and this can help you make daily creative habits of observation, gratitude and wonder.

We will run through different drawing exercises each day and practise our skills. We will explore the versatility of pen, ink and watercolour as a fast and fun way to record what we observe around us from still life to the figure, on the fly and from life. We will look at mark making and try different types of ink media in soluble and non-soluble, with the addition of quick watercolour washes and glazes. Our subject matter will include found objects, live models and field trips outside.

Deb’s art practice is 30 years young and involves drawing, painting, small sculpture and public art. Interested in objects and collections in both social and natural history, her artworks use gentle, offbeat narratives and a crisp aesthetic pointing to beauty, truth and grace.

Deb lives and works in a home studio on the Ipswich/ Brisbane border. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the Queensland College of Art, has had over 17 solo shows and been involved in more than 60 group shows in both regional and commercial galleries. Deb has over 15 years’ teaching experience and runs workshops and artist in residencies.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $50 – $150 (plus fabric)

Workshop Outline

In this class, Helena and Lasse from Deka Design will guide you through the process of restoring and re-upholstering your own upholstered furniture piece. This class is a hands-on, practice- based class that covers knowledge and skills specific to your project so is suitable for all skill levels. As you work on your piece you will learn about important upholstery and restoration topics, including use of hand tools, material selection, traditional and modern furniture construction, timber restoration and finishes, fabric selection, pattern making, cutting and sewing, upholstery processes and sustainability.

Helena and Lasse Kinnunen from Deka Design are master furniture makers working in Australia and Finland. Specialising in the use of upholstery, timber and steel, their furniture pieces draw on traditional craftsmanship processes. They combine beautiful materials and unique handcrafted decorative elements that reflect the colours and textures of the Australian landscape and the timelessness of Finnish design. Alongside their furniture making, they also restore furniture and teach furniture making and restoration so that these essential skills are maintained into the next generation.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Estimated Materials Cost: $320

Workshop Outline

In this five-day wheel throwing workshop, you will be covering all the techniques for large and controlled throwing that Bill has developed over a forty-five-year production and creative ceramic career. You will explore large form throwing along with joining multiple pieces and exaggerated forms. Bill will deliver his suite of techniques to grow your practise by improving your overall wheel skills. Methods of texturing and stretching the clay will be demonstrated to create new and exciting creative outcomes. The focus over the five days is to achieve better throwing with greater understanding of the process. We will fire what we can but student expectations should remain squarely focussed on improving skills more than producing a body of work. This workshop is not for beginners. If you can handle two kilos or more of clay then this week of throwing will accelerate your abilities for greater success and bigger things.

Bill completed the Fine Arts Diploma at the University of Southern Queensland in 1979, majoring in ceramics. He went on to establish his own studio on the Gold Coast in 1980. Bill is a former President of Ceramic Arts Queensland and currently owns and operates CeramX School of Clay and Glass in Nerang. In the preceding 45 years, Bill has honed his wheel throwing skills as a production potter at numerous Queensland potteries, quickly developing a reputation as a master of the potter’s wheel.

Bill’s recent workshops and residencies in Spain, the United States, New Zealand and France, have seen his reputation grow. Bill specialises in Crystalline Glazes and high fired porcelain, along with textured stoneware and kiln formed glass.

Level: All

Estimated Materials Cost: $300

Workshop Outline

This immersive workshop will venture into the Japanese Gardens to explore plant shapes, textures, dyes and qualities suitable for printmaking. Using botanical materials, natural sunlight and earthy elements, you will create cyanotypes and eco-prints on paper and fabric which will result in an exciting personal collection of prints – a chance to unleash your creativity with surprising new outcomes.

Anita is a UniSQ graduate, with a Bachelor of Visual Arts. Born and raised in the remote highlands of Tanzania, her passion for art and botanicals was ignited by her fascinating life on a tea and coffee plantation. Taught to draw by her father, Anita has been creating all her life. Now, as a full-time emerging artist, Anita has exhibited at the Toowoomba Regional Gallery and is currently exhibiting work in the Redlands Regional Art Gallery. Her commissioned work can be found interstate and overseas, with her practice venturing into home decor, wallpapers and fabric design.

Ruben Fitton, The Golden Thread, 2022 (Overall Winner, 2022, Toowoomba Grammar)

Future Visions is an annual art award for high school art students from across the Darling Downs and Southeast Queensland.  The award and exhibition showcase the diverse, dynamic, multidisciplinary, and emerging professional approaches to artmaking by young people in the region.  Future Visions is open to applicants from grades 10 -12 and is currently in it’s 12^th year.  This exhibition continues to attract a high calibre of emerging artists who are creating exciting and innovative art.

Registration Link to follow