Artist Collective Drop-In Workshops
Rockhampton River Festival is excited to present this year’s Arts Program, inviting locals to take part in a range of creatively curated workshops both ticketed and free in the Artist Collective Zone, proudly sponsored by CQUniversity.
No matter the level of artistic ability, these workshops will give participants a hands-on outlet for creativity and expression.
FREE Drop-In Workshops
A range of sustainable art workshops will be available in the Artist Collective from Wild Mount Morgan Clay (definitely not all clay related!) where the community can just "drop-in" to play and explore.
Globe Art
Friday 25 July | 6pm - 9pm
Using old CDs create giant globes like disco balls to display in the Artist Collective.
Natural Fibre Weaving Loom
Saturday 26 July | 12pm - 3pm
Using a selection of natural fibre lengths including banana leaf, grasses, reeds and vines. Participants will select and weave through a standing loom.
CockAtoos
Saturday 26 July | 5pm - 8pm
Create our River Fest mascot, the mighty cockatoo out of recyclable materials and add a solar powered tea-light.
Wild Clay Exploration
Sunday 27 July | 12.30pm - 3.30pm
Participants will experience working with a variety of wild clays using several simple hand building techniques. Participants will create simple forms based on the idea of ‘wild creatures’ which will be placed in the environment to naturally disintegrate.
Artist Facilitator - Wild Mount Morgan Clay
Louise Lawrence (Jones) is a multidisciplinary artist based in Mount Morgan, Queensland, whose work is deeply inspired by nature, community, and history. With a background in Visual Arts education, Louise transitioned from teaching to pursue her art practice full-time while embracing home education for her children.
Originally from Tasmania, Louise began her artistic journey through senior studies and competitive exhibitions, culminating in a successful solo show at Launceston’s Red Door Gallery. Her vibrant acrylic series, inspired by a visit to Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory, led to the creation of her children’s book Child of the River, and the painting that inspired it won the Maleny Art Prize.
Louise’s creative path has included solo exhibitions, community mural projects, and artist residencies, notably at Brisbane’s 139 Club. She holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Culture from ACU and has explored various mediums including oil painting, printmaking, and ceramics. Her passion for pottery flourished in Longreach, where she exhibited work and facilitated workshops.
Now working with locally sourced wild Mount Morgan clay and sustainable techniques, Louise creates sculptural and functional ceramics fired in her hand-built wood kiln. She is committed to supporting regional artists and regularly organises workshops and community art events. Her work reflects a love for storytelling, heritage, and the transformative power of creativity.