This summer, be immersed in creativity, collaboration and connection at one of the country’s longest running visual and creative arts retreats.
Held in Toowoomba at the University of Southern Queensland, the McGregor Arts Retreat has been delighting creative types for more than 50 years. By day, artists have access to some of the best artists in the country (and even the world) and by night attendees enjoy an array of fabulous evening entertainment. The 51st retreat will take place from Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 January, featuring millinery tutor Brett Morley. Hatters will be the talk of the town during racing season with their very own designer headpieces created at the retreat in a workshop suitable for beginner to intermediate artists.
During this workshop, participants will learn a multitude of millinery techniques including the preparation, cutting and machine sewing of multi layers, the manipulation and sculpting of sinamay flourish trim and the creation of feathered flowers. Working with guipure lace, milliners will learn about design, wire manipulation, suitable coverings for wire, backing wire to the lace and hand sewing techniques. Artists will select, sort, cut, prepare and then assemble their very own individual headpieces of true professional quality, all with the help of expert milliner Brett Morley.
Based in Melbourne, Brett started his career as a hair stylist, and the transition into millinery was natural and fitting. Brett has showcased at the annual Hatstravagance events, presented by the Victorian Racing Club at Flemington. He has been a guest judge at Fashions on the Field at various race meets around Australia and has been a top 10 finalist at the 2013 and 2015 Oaks Day Millinery Award. Brett’s works feature in Melbourne Spring Racing Season annually.
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