Charismatic Australian artist, Donald James Waters will visit Toowoomba in March to appear as a special guest at the annual ‘Tracking the Arts Race Day’. A long-standing and popular tutor at the University’s McGregor Schools, Donald is a passionate artist who sees art as an adventure to be experienced not only by the artist but also by the viewer.
Race Day guests will have a first-hand opportunity to share this love of the arts when Donald takes centre stage to paint a masterpiece throughout the course of the day. “When speaking with Donald, you cannot help but be engulfed by his presence and by the beauty and vibrant colour of his larger-than life creations on canvas,” said Artsworx Manager, Dr Rebecca Scollen.
Don has an international reputation, having exhibited in both England and New Zealand and with paintings in gallery and private collections throughout the world including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Art Collection. He is also highly regarded as a tutor, motivational speaker, compere and judge. “It will be a rare treat for people to actually watch him at work on Race Day; seeing a master at work from start to finish and even having the opportunity to purchase the finished product during our auction.”

True to its billing as an ‘arty day at the races’, the Artsworx Race Day will showcase the diversity of arts at USQ and also offer guests an opportunity to engage in and support the arts. “The day will help raise funds needed to go toward the cost of producing our annual season of events – in particular music, theatre and visual art events which directly involve Creative Arts students as part of their learning experiences at USQ.

Other arty offerings will include a combined fashion/costume parade by USQ Designer, Carolyn Taylor-Smith featuring stunning costumes from past productions together with the most stylish of fashions; and live entertainment by USQ musicians, Stewart Sloan and Lyllie Mills.

This year, Race Day organisers have sourced an exciting selection of leisure, pamper and collectable items for the auctions including original jewellery by Brisbane-based artist, Marisa Molin; stylish fascinator by milliner, Rae Copeland; sporting memorabilia; original watercolour by Grafton artist, Lyn Butchart; and a hatinator by Elaine Mergard who famously designed and made hats for Her Excellency Quentin Bryce when she was Governor of Queensland.

True to race day tradition, fashions on the field will be judged and prizes awarded to best-dressed lady, best dressed man, best hat and best shoes.

The ‘Tracking the Arts’ Race Day commences at 3.30 for 4pm on Saturday 10 March in the Grand Marquee at Clifford Park. Contact the USQ Artsworx Box Office on 07 4631 1111 to book in for a race day with a difference – tickets are $65 each or $600 for a table of ten.

Submitted by:
Michelle Fox,
USQ Artsworx,
+61 7 4631 1114 or 0439 911 623