Events

This performance includes strong themes. Recommended for mature audiences

In April 2009, two weeks short of his nineteenth birthday, Toowoomba teenager Kristjan Terauds died due to complications from illicit drug use. Using the words of Kristjan’s friends and family interviewed over many months, and inspired by the journal of Kristjan’s father, April’s Fool is a powerful story of love, loss and sadness, with touching humour.

David Burton’s April’s Fool Redux is a thought-provoking, memorable and ultimately optimistic reflection on the choices we make and how they affect those we love.

Performed by UniSQ’s second year students.

October 4 7:00pm – 8:00pm

October 5 7:00pm – 8:00pm

October 6 7:00pm – 8:00pm

This performance addresses themes of body image, and contains graphic content/simulated gore. Recommended for mature audiences.

Arty is huge. Ginormous. Morbidly and grossly obese, he’s in need of a gastric bypass to save his life. At over 400 kilos, he’s the world’s fattest teenager.

Arty is also being followed by a reality TV crew. Will he lose the kilos needed to have the op? Will he survive to eat another cream bun? Will Louise, his Pathways-to-Work officer, transform his life in ways he never imagined?

Unapologetically satiric, Melissa Bubnic’s Beached is also the moving story of a man imprisoned in his own body. It lays bare the mercenary nature of reality TV and turns the microscope on society’s insatiable appetite for human misery.

Performed by UniSQ’s third year students

Directed by internationally acclaimed director Jason Klarwein

November 9 7:00pm – 8:30pm

November 10 11:00am – 12:30pm

November 10 7:00pm – 8:30pm

November 11 7:00am – 8:30pm

Level: All

$100 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration. 

$300 BYO Material & Tools cost: This is in addition to the McGregor Workshop Fee.  Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, Materials & Tools List’.

Please note suitable for students aged 18+ only.

Workshop Outline

Want to learn the basics of small object casting and be able to make your own small sculptures or jewellery? Teaching the basics of casting, your experienced tutor thoroughly explains all aspects of the process. No experience is necessary other than to work with your hands on a small scale. Students need good eyesight and the steady use of both hands. The workshop will introduce the basics of casting and wax techniques such as making cuttlefish casting, hard and soft wax working techniques, and how to prepare and work with the industry for casting, leading to an opportunity for students to have their cast shape made into a finished metal small object. This course will provide you with instruction on safe work practices, understanding tools and equipment, and material preparation. Scheduled class times are highly structured with a balance between demonstrations and students practicing techniques and creating their own creations. Upon completion, students will have the knowledge to continue to make their own wax and cast objects.

Kathryn Wardill is a contemporary jeweller who received her Master of Arts, Fine Art by research from RMIT University. As a jeweller and glass artist she has actively participated in group and solo exhibitions internationally for the last 30 years. Wardill’s dedication to researching jewellery objects which combine metal and glass has resulted in a solo exhibition in the USA as a part of an artist in residency and work presented at Studio Ingot Melbourne. www.wardill.com for more information.

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Suitable for students aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$245 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration. 

BYO Material & Tools List: Bring Your Own camera + lens, and laptop or iPad with Photoshop installed (for those who do not have either a laptop or iPad, you will have access to the Mac Lab in the Photographic Department. 

Workshop Outline

This intermediate/advanced level workshop with professional photographer Russell Shakespeare, provides an insight into the life of a professional working photographer, with tips around how to make a living as a photographer as well as developing long term personal photography projects. You will learn how to photograph people for publication, documentary style (on site and in a studio); how to plan and prepare for a photoshoot, studio lighting on location, and in the studio; how to document research trips; and how to up your postproduction game, and self-publish. This workshop will also cover making your own website through the Squarespace platform.

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

Suitable for Students Aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$90 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration.  

$20 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): This is in addition to the McGregor Workshop Fee.  Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, Materials & Tools List’.

Workshop Outline

In this workshop you will learn how to transform a humble piece of paper into a contemporary paper cutting art piece. Using a variety of techniques for design, creation and presentation, participants will be inspired by the history of this medium, whilst mastering the art of creating hand cut paper works.

Elysha Rei is a Japanese-Australian artist that explores narratives of cultural identity, site-specific history and environmental elements through paper cutting and public art. Since graduating from visual arts at UniSQ in 2008, Rei has created and exhibited work, curated exhibitions, undertaken artist residencies, and managed cultural spaces across Australia and internationally, including Made Creative Space Toowoomba and an Asialink Arts Exchange.

As part of an MBA, Rei founded the Sam Rit Residency artist program in Thailand. She is a current PhD Candidate at QUT exploring how Nikkei Australian identity is archived through contemporary paper cutting arts practice, and an artist and research fellow for the Past Wrongs Future Choices global project at the University of Victoria, Canada.

Level: All

Suitable for Students Aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost: $150 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately). Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’.

Workshop Outline

Looking to the Renaissance painters, this workshop offers an understanding of the technical skills required for the fundamentals of oil painting.

Dr Tarn McLean is an artist, designer, and Doctor of Philosophy (Visual Art) and lectures Painting and Drawing at the University of Southern Queensland and founded the Australian accessories and textile company Ocre Designs in 2008. Tarn’s work departs from a highly disciplined practice embedded in early to mid-20th Century Geometric Abstract painting to the design of space and architecture, including wall painting and public art as well as textile, wallpaper and accessory design. Tarn has an active studio practice and exhibits both nationally and internationally in group shows in the field of non-objective painting and is represented by Alfa Gallery – Miami and New York. Tarn is an advocate for Children’s literacy and is a board member of the Child Writes Fund.

Level: All

Suitable for Students Aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$80 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’.

Workshop Outline

Join our immersive workshop and delve into the exciting world of music video production. Gain essential skills and techniques applicable to the broader film industry as you assume practical roles in creating professional music videos. With the guidance of Rare Squid Creative, collaborate directly with one of three established bands/musical artists, bringing their vision to life and securing your name in the credits. From camera operation to directing and editing, you’ll learn the basics of each step in the process. Gain invaluable hands-one experience through real client interactions, tackle challenges head-on, and immerse yourself in the dynamic and thrilling music video production industry. Unleash your creativity, jump behind a camera, and emerge equipped with the practical skills to kick-start your own film making journey.

Rare Squid Creative, a partnership formed by Paddy Long & Josh Willson, has been active in the film and creative media sector since June, 2020. Located in Toowoomba, they have engaged in numerous projects ranging from community initiatives to web-based graphics, media production, and artistic collaborations.  Their notable specialisation lies in crafting music videos, having successfully produced nearly 30 videos for various artists over the past three years. These videos have garnered attention, being featured on prominent platforms like ABC, Rage, CMT, and Channel 7

Level: Introductory/Intermediate

Suitable for Students Aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost: BYO $TBA

Workshop Outline

This is an introductory, explorative workshop into the world of printmaking.  You will learn the technical skills to create works using solarplate etching, drypoint etching, and mono printing, with a focus on utilising juxtaposition and symbols to create non-linear narratives.

Kristen Flynn is an award-winning contemporary artist and art educator who utilises digital photography and printmaking to create works that investigate, and communicate, identity. Kristen investigates facets of motherhood, life cycles, and beauty, through found objects and images from her surroundings. Kristen creates artwork to stimulate thoughts and feelings of transcendence, – a moving between worlds – whilst foregrounding the abject nature of the female body and its destiny to return to the earth. Working predominantly as a contemporary printmaker, Kristen’s art practice merges both old and new printmaking technologies.

Level: All

Suitable for students aged 16+

Estimated Tool Cost: $250 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately)

If you are looking for a challenge, then add fold forming to your silversmithing skills.

Beginners will learn the fundamental techniques for making wearable pieces such as rings, broaches, and earrings. Students with more experience can explore advanced methods of stone setting such as basket settings or tapered settings for faceted stones (square, emerald cut, marquise etc.), box clasps for bracelets or fold forming (hammering folds in metal, and then unfolding to create unique forms). Alternatively, students can work on a project of their own choosing upon approval with the tutor.

Mauri graduated from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology with an Associate Diploma of Fine Art in 1972, majoring in Sculpture. He completed further studies in gold and silversmithing at the Queensland College of Art where he later went on the lecture in gold and silversmithing. Mauri has won numerous awards and exhibited widely.

Level: All

Suitable for students aged 16+ 

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$80 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration. 

$20 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately). Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’. 

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/Tools Cost:

$287 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop. Payable at time of workshop registration.

There is a clothed and nude life model present

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 Bongiorno is an award-winning figurative artist working in Maleny, Queensland. David has participated in solo and group exhibitions in venues including Steps Gallery, Brunswick, The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre, Manning Regional Art Gallery, Gatakers Artspace Regional Gallery and Caloundra Regional Gallery. He has undertaken private commissions, and has works in private and public collections. David has participated in local and national art prizes including “Emerging Wearable Artist Winner” at the Australian Wearable Art Festival 2022, and has arts management, curation, teaching and mentoring experience.

Level: All

Suitable for students aged 16+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$50 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop. Payable at time of workshop registration. 

$150 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’. 

There is an unclothed life model in this workshop

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, find what excites them when creating, to 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

Suitable for Students Aged 18+

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

50 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: This covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration. 

$400 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’. 

There is an unclothed life model in this workshop

Workshop Outline

Whether you’ve never painted or had been painting all your life, participants will get something very special from the unique painting approach which David has developed over 50 years painting. He will explain his technique of painting from dark to light using negative space. He will also encourage participants to find their own special style and provide useful information about how to achieve success in your work. Many of Davids participants have gone on to have successful careers as practising and exhibiting artists.

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: Intermediate/Advanced

Suitable for Students Aged 16+

There is a clothed model in this workshop 

Estimated Materials/Tools Cost:

$210 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration. 

$80 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’. 

Workshop Outline

People will not stay still, so we need strategies to get the story down fast! This workshop will focus on the figure within our sketchbook practice. Learn to do gestural notations of the humans that inhabit our spaces as well as slower, longer poses for more considered portraits. Practice with clothed life models in the studio, on timed poses. Draw the figure in the environment as we come across them in life, using pen and watercolour for portable and swift response to opportunities to draw anyone, anywhere! Using larger format A4 sketchbooks, longer be too scared to draw figures in your sketchbooks!

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

Please note Suitable for students aged 18+ only.

Estimated Materials Cost:  $250 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately)

Join the fun in doing art! Together we will find your own style and way of expression. Cees’ aim is to help you improve your art expression through proper techniques and easy to understand guidelines, explanation, awareness, practice, and demonstration. You will be amazed at what you will achieve by the end of the workshop, even if you are just starting your artistic journey. Combining drawing and watercolour techniques, we will be covering a wide range of topics, making up to three works per day. Topics include Urbanscape, Landscape, Still-life, Birds/animals, Water scenes, Figures, and even a Portrait. There is something for everybody.

Award-winning Australian artist Cees Sliedrecht began his art practice as a student of art academies in Rotterdam and The Hague, leading to the opening of his own arts school in the late 1980 in Brisbane. He runs frequent workshops around Australia, and internationally. Due to his national and international exposure to art and his art education, Cees offers students a wealth of art knowledge, guidance, and experience.

Levels: Intermediate/Advanced

Suitable for students aged 18+ only

Estimates Materials/Tools Cost:

$225 McGregor Workshop Delivery Fee: this covers additional materials, tools, & models (where relevant) specific to this workshop.  These will be supplied by McGregor at time of workshop.  Payable at time of workshop registration.  

$85 BYO Material & Tools cost (approximately): Please refer to the online ‘Workshop Schedule, and Materials & Tools List’.

Workshop Outline

Do you want your surfaces to sing? Have you got a project you want resolve with the help of an expert? This class is for you! Many times, as an artist I have faced the unknown. With the tiniest thread of inspiration, I have started a project only to get little way in and think “I do not know what to do!” Fear of the unknown is a constant challenge for an artist and over the years I have developed a variety of techniques that help me navigate deeper into those exciting, murky waters. This class is about that vast, interior space where art comes from. (And about heaps and heaps of techniques to get your drawings onto your pots!)

Shannon Garson is an Australian ceramic artist, writer and curator with studio practice spanning 20 years. Her work includes commissions for festivals, exhibitions at public and private galleries, and arts advocacy. Shannon works with a range of media using drawing, ceramics, photography and performance to investigate the relationship between human activity and the infinite variety of striations, spots and marks found in nature.