WINTER SCHOOL

Rug up and get creative!

The 2009 Winter School will be held from Monday 13th until Friday 17th July.
A PDF enrolment form can be downloaded by clicking here.

For information regarding fees, accommodation, payments, cancellations and meals click here

The following courses have been confirmed. There is a brief outline of each course below the table and for the full fact sheet for each course click on the name of the course in the table.

Weave your own basket with Roka Cameron                   Level  All                                                     
Learn the principles involved in creating a Maori basket [approximately 28cm x 24cm] made from New Zealand flax plant Phormium tenax.  With an introduction of sampling basket techniques, discover and discuss basic elements of design for basket weaving e.g. colour, line, tension, balance and produce a finished product that is both attractive and useful. Your tutor will provide the flax which she will harvest, process and dye in New Zealand.
Roka Cameron currently works as a lecturer at the School of Maori, Pacific and indigenous Studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.  Her recent work focuses on the translation of traditional off-loom hand-woven garments into a contemporary art practice developed from a two year project undertaken in the Master of Fine Arts degree program with the textile section of the School of Art at Te Kura Matatini ki Otago/Otago Polytechnic.  Her website is: www.rokahurihia.co.nz

Books and boxes with Caren Florance Level  All                                                      
Learn to make handmade books with Asian and Coptic style bindings, plus boxes to hold them. Both bookbinding methods result in a decorative sewn spine with many variations to keep you playing.  Also learn to convert vintage hardback books into boxes.
Caren Florance teaches letterpress and bookarts in Canberra. She also has a private press called Ampersand Duck that produces a wide variety of books and things inspired by print and paper. She has a strong belief in play and accessibility, so her workshops are always fun for beginners yet can be pushed to extend the knowledge of experienced makers. For more information on this course, click here

Botanical Illustration with Belinda Biggs Level Some art experience helpful 
Starting with a full tonal drawing move on to complete a watercolour painting or two.  A very addictive art form!
Belinda Biggs (www.belindabiggs.com) is an award winning botanical artist who teaches on the Central Coast of NSW.  She is a member of the Botanical Art Society and is a regular exhibitor in Botanica in Sydney. For more information on this course, click here

Clay printing techniques with Petra Svoboda Level Some prior experience with clay
This workshop will cover various conventional and experimental printing techniques such screen printing, mono printing  and decal making. Then spend two days focusing on handbuilding with printed clay.
Petra Svoboda is currently researching historical printing techniques such as Copper plate Transfer Printing for her Masters.  She has run specialist workshops on printing techniques for ceramics at tertiary level and at private art centres and has exhibited within Australia & overseas. For more information on this course, click here

Clay – make and fire with Ian Jones (6-11 and 13-16 July - a 10 day course) Level Some prior experience with clay and ability to centre clay if throwing is your focus This course has been cancelled
A two week journey, from construction to glazing and firing with wood. Make a range of thrown and hand built items (tea bowls, plates, vases, cups, teapots and pouring vessels) glaze them and then fire the double chamber wood kiln.
Ian Jones has over 35 years experience as a potter, specialising in wood fired thrown and handbuilt ceramics. Ian has also had an active teaching career, at Canberra School of Art, TAFE colleges and other centres around Australia.

Creative writing with Jenny Murchie    Level Beginners and intermediate This course has been cancelled
Starting with exercises designed to stimulate the imagination and encourage an original and creative use of language, leading into more sustained and polished pieces of work.   Develop confidence in your own ability in a supportive environment where constructive feedback and a detailed review of your work will be offered at every stage.  Discover your “voice” as a writer and feel inspired to continue writing, networking with other students.
Jenny Murchie has been teaching in a variety of institutions over a thirty-year period ranging from ANU and the University of Melbourne to TAFE, Community Adult Education classes and secondary schools. One of Jenny’s particular interests is creative writing and the development of students’ confidence and motivation to explore and develop their writing skills. For more information on this course, click here

Experimental drawings with Anne-France  Fulgence  Level Some experience  in drawing required 
This course is designed to unlock your creative energy and challenge your imagination; you only need the desire to draw freely with an open mind. Experimenting with different ways of drawing or mark making using a wide range of techniques and tools to challenge the conventional way of drawing.  The aim is for you to gain in confidence and drawing ability.
Anne-France (A-F) Fulgence is a successful practising and exhibiting contemporary artist, with her most recent paintings being portraits of large, wild hunting dogs.  “I always try to convey uniqueness to each dog portrait, to achieve this I need a complete freedom beginning with an unconventional way of drawing it first”. Her work can be viewed at:  www.affulgence.com.au For more information on this course, click here

Ikebana & the power of design with Sandra Marker Level  All This course has been cancelled
Discover your artistic talent using plants and flowers through the art of Sogetsu Ikebana, which is more than just flower arranging.  Ikebana can be arranged anytime, anywhere by anyone and with any material.
Sandra Marker has exhibited in the Royal Botanic Gardens, at open gardens, participated in Floriade and has taught a number of Ikebana workshops.  She recently won and International Award for silver jewellery and also experiments with ceramics. For more information on this course, click here

Saw pierced box form - jewellery/metal with Alida Cappelletta Level for those who have already attempted soldering, filing, polishing, saw cutting and drilling. This course has been cancelled
Advance and develop your jewellery skills while fabricating a lidded box for a special object. Learn the techniques of scoring and hinge making and improve your sawing, soldering, polishing and filing.  Using brass, gilding metal or copper make a decorated square box (minimum 50mmx50mm) with a fitted or hinged lid.  A second project will be completed in sterling silver.
Alida Cappelletta graduated from Sydney College of the Arts in Jewellery and Metal and also studied Gold and Silversmithing at RMIT, and has a Fine Arts degree from Curtin University in Painting.  She is currently a resident at Gaffa Studios in Surry Hills, Sydney and teaches jewellery to adults in Sydney and exhibits throughout Australia. For more information on this course, click here

Wild Knitting – learn to knit outside the square with Loani Prior  Level  All who can knit basic stitches 
Using the iconic tea cosy to demonstrate the wild and sculptural possibilities of knitting, you will make at least two tea cosies learning the art of shaping and textural moulding.  Sewing (not too much) and felting (as an accompaniment) will compliment your designs. 
In another life, Loani taught the violin and viola with Education Queensland and founded and conducted the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra.  She continues to teach in her current incarnation as an Administration Systems Fairy(!)  Her first book, Wild Tea Cosies (2008), sold out within just four months and has now been reprinted. For more information on this course, click here

Mittagong mosaic with Ellen Nolet  Level Beginners & Intermediate
Learn the different techniques to create a stool or table for inside and a flowerpot or birdbath for outside using vitreous glass tiles, mirror tiles, glass wishingstones, beads and found objects. Colour and design, cutting and glues, laying and grouting, and safety will also be covered.  Hands on and labour intensive but very rewarding.
Ellen Nolet trained in Holland as a fashion designer and worked in Europe for many years.  She has taught craft to Primary students and also holds workshops for kids and adults at her home studio.  She exhibits her bold and bright mosaics regularly. For more information on this course, click here

Painting still life with gouache  with Noel Ford Level  All This course has been cancelled
Start with colour mixing exercises in gouache before moving on to painting still life subjects. For those who wish to expand their knowledge of colour and to paint expressive and personal still life subject matter. (Gouache consists of pigment suspended in water. It differs from watercolour in that the particles are larger, the ratio of pigment to water is higher, and an additional white pigment is also present making gouache more opaque, with greater reflective qualities,)
Noel Ford is a practising artist and has been teaching painting at the ANU School of Art for many years and is a gifted and much loved teacher. For more information on this course, click here

Getting started with Photoshop – for artists & photographers with Robyn Kinsela Level Beginners
Learn to use the computer as a tool in the artmaking process.  Gain a sound understanding of file types, resolution, printing, scanning and storing work and the importance of composition and colour.  At least one large completed artwork will be developed and printed as part of an edition with comprehensive notes and the beginnings of a digital print or photograph portfolio. Students must have experience in general computer skills (retrieving and saving files, using keyboard and mouse) but may be beginners with Photoshop or with some prior experience. Although there is no material fee, students will need to pay for some of their own printing costs.
Robyn Kinsela develops pigment prints from her studio work (painting, drawing, conventional printmaking and photography).  Her prints have been selected for a number of awards and exhibitions.  She likes to encourage this cross disciplinary approach in her teaching of 2D Imaging at TAFE.  For more information on this course, click here

Digital photography - creative with Debra Pearson  Level  beginner to intermediate  This course has been cancelled
Gain a basic understanding of your camera’s operations as well as creative inspiration. Practical exercises while exploring the creative potential of Sturt’s gardens. Aperture and shutter speed settings, depth of field, blurring and freezing movement; and how to achieve correct exposure and assess lighting conditions. Download your images and learn basic editing, saving to a CD and printing. Although there is no material fee, students will need to pay for some of their own printing costs.
Debra Pearson is an arts photographer, tutor and writer. She holds a B.A. and Master of Creative Arts (Photography, Art History & Visual Art Theory) and teaches at regional art galleries and adult community colleges. As well as running a successful wedding photography business, she has produced photography for the media and corporate publications, and exhibitions. For more information on this course, click here

Printmaking without Presses - In the Tradition of Margaret Preston with Marianne Courtenay        Level  beginner to intermediate                                                                                                   
Learn techniques to enable strong and confident works with a minimum of equipment and materials.  Lino and vinyl cutting, printing and colour registration techniques as well as exploring the use of different papers for different effects, a range of hand-colouring media, print editioning conventions and presentation. 
Marianne Courtenay studied design at the National Art School in Sydney but is best know as a printmaker specialising in limited edition collagraphs, woodblocks and computer-based prints. Her work is held in public, corporate and private collections in Australia and in private collections overseas. Marianne is an experienced and popular tutor. For more information on this course, click here

Fusion tapestry weaving with Dimity Kidston  Level  All 
Discover the joys of blending colours and textures using a variety of materials, including wool, cotton rags, string, plastic bags and other recycled materials!
Since graduating from ANU 15 years ago, Dimity Kidston has been weaving both large and small scale tapestry commissions.  She has also developed a porcelain range called Wagtail Designs (available at Sturt Gallery). For more information on this course, click here

Watercolour painting with Andrew Gemmill Level All 
Learn how to use the basic materials especially brushes and paper, the properties of colours, timing using wet and dry paper, tones and in which order to paint them, composition and balance, planning and perspective through daily exercises and complete at least one painting per day.
Andrew Gemmill studied painting and drawing with the best teacher in Europe (in Florence) which provided him with a basis for his development as an artist and prepared him for subsequent exhibitions in Melbourne, the UK and the USA.  He has also been teaching in Melbourne for the past seven years. For more information on this course, click here

Weave your own floor rug with Melanie Olde  Level  All      This course has been cancelled
Using basic rug making techniques, learn the principles involved in creating a small floor rug (approximately 80 x 145cm). Colour, proportion, line, texture, knotting & balance will be covered.  Freedom & creativity are encouraged and participants choose their own colours from highest quality rug wool.
Melanie Olde currently works at Sturt as a resident weaver.  Trained in Canberra and overseas, she incorporates contemporary techniques with a modern outlook, combining both art and design in her unique textiles.  She exhibits both locally and internationally. For more information on this course, click here

Weaving with shibori with Kay Faulkner   Level  for all who have can thread a loom    
This class will explore the technique of both warp and weft shibori with regard to both fabric design and dye pattern.  Weave a collection of samples and experiment with a wide variety of surface design techniques and then design and weave your individual project.
Kay Faulkner, Master Weaver has been exploring woven shibori for a number of years. She has gained international recognition as being one of the pioneers of this technique and has written and taught both nationally and internationally on this topic. For more information on this course, click here

Wood carving with Nick Statham Level  All    
Explore simple form carving whilst becoming familiar with a wide range of tools, their correct use and maintenance.  Complete a bowl starting with a pre-cut block of wood.  Gain practical experience under the guidance of a skilled woodworker.
Nick Statham is a graduate of the Sturt School for Wood.  He is an independent designer and maker of fine furniture, carved sculptures and paintings. For more information on this course, click here

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WINTER SCHOOL INFORMATION

Please note that the Frensham and Sturt site covers a large area and slopes gently up hill from the town of Mittagong. There are a number of steps on the site and several classrooms at Frensham are on the first and second floors. There is limited ground floor accommodation available, please request this on your enrolment form if you wish to sleep downstairs.

Courses
Adult course fees are either $488 or $990.  All fees include GST. In some cases there is a material fee to cover the cost of extra materials, extra tutors, model fees or firing costs. The material fee covers a set amount of material for each class and those students who wish to make larger or more items can purchase further materials for their pieces.
After the receipt of an enrolment form and accompanying payment, students will receive a package confirming their details and their course, with a list of any materials and equipment they need to bring and a more detailed course description. Further Winter School information and maps will be sent out in early June.

Minimum Age
Students must be 16 and over for all adult classes unless arranged otherwise with the individual tutor.

Enrolment
Enrolments for courses will be in order of application as class sizes are limited.  Enrolments must be accompanied by full payment and an enrolment form (click here). 

Cancellation and Payments
All payments are made through Sturt Shop and can be made in person by credit card, eftpos, cash, cheque or money order. You may also fax or post your enrolment.  Sturt Shop is open seven days 10am-5pm.
Sturt Craft Centre reserves the right to cancel any class if minimum enrolments are not reached by 12th June, 2009. If this is the case, students will be offered placements in their second or third choice, or a refund of all fees.
Cancellations before 12th June will incur a $100 cancellation fee. The balance of all fees will be refunded.  No refunds of course fees will be given for cancellations after 12th June, 2009.  However the total payment for accommodation, meals and material fees will be refunded in each case.
Late enrolments may be made up to the beginning of classes, where positions are available.

Class Times
Classes begin at 9am on Monday 13th July. Daily times are from 9am until 4.00pm. Classrooms may be open until 8pm (in consultation with tutors) if students wish to continue working on their own.  On Friday afternoon, an exhibition of participants’ work will be displayed and friends and family are invited to attend.

After Class
There will be a floor talk in Sturt Gallery on Monday evening and presentations by tutors on most other days from 4.30 to 5.45. There will also be film nights on some evenings after dinner. A detailed program of these presentations will be included in your registration package.

Accommodation
Accommodation is available for participants at the Winter School and includes all meals from the evening of Sunday 12th july up to and including lunch on Friday 17th July.  This is provided at Frensham, adjacent to Sturt.  Accommodation is in boarding school rooms, i.e. small single bed, cupboard, desk, lamp and wastepaper bin, the rooms are heated but there are no fly screens.  All linen (sheets, towels, pillowslips) is provided. Bedroom doors are not lockable. Some rooms have a lockable cupboard. There are facilities for washing, ironing and drying. Single rooms are available as are double or multiple share. All bathrooms are share (separate male and female). There is limited ground floor accommodation available, please request this on your enrolment form if you wish to sleep downstairs.
Most dietary needs can be catered for if indicated on your enrolment form.
Students who take accommodation Option A, arrive between 4 and 6pm on Monday, 12th July, and after registration will be directed to their rooms. Arrivals later than 6.30pm come straight to the Dining Hall. Option B will register on Monday 13th July between 7.45 and 8.30am.
Option A (arrive Sunday afternoon and depart Friday evening) costs $425 for a single and $389 per person share.
Option B (arrive Monday morning before classes and depart Friday evening) costs $352 for single and $325 per person share.
Option C - those staying for two weeks for the Make and Fire course, accommodation is available from the evening of Sunday 5th July, but will only be catered from the evening of Sunday 12th July. For that first week, there will not be any catering. There is access to a kitchen in the boarding house with stove, oven, microwave, fridge and pots and pans, crockery and cutlery but you will need to provide your own food until the evening of 12th July. There are also many cafes in Mittagong if you wish to eat out. During that time the cost will be $30 per person per night for shared accommodation and $35 for singles.

Lunches for Day Students
Tea and coffee are provided near each workshop.  Lunches are available for day students from the Dining Hall. These lunches must be ordered in advance at the time of enrolment. The cost is $12 each day. The Café will continue to serve its regular lunch menu from Wednesday.

Information
Information boards with daily notices, local maps and classroom locations are to be found on the verandas of Sturt Cottage, Drama Theatre and in the North Wing morning tea room and in the Dining Hall.

Registration
All students must register before proceeding to their accommodation or their classroom.  Registration is between 4 & 6pm on Sunday, 12th July, or on Monday 13th July between 7.45 and 8.30am in Sturt Cottage. On Registration, each student will receive a folder with their classroom location and other necessary information.

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Some images from the 2008 Winter School: