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Dive the Great Barrier Reef and draw underwater with Umbrella and artists Kerrie Everett Horrocks and Tony Fitzsimmons. This exceptional two-day workshop experience will take participants to the Great Barrier Reef to discover, dive and draw – on a boat, in the water and on shore at Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

On the first day, participants will dive the John Brewer Reef and see the Coral Greenhouse of The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). The submerged artwork designed by artist Jason deCaires Taylor features life-like figures and sculptures of trees and coral gardens, making it a distinctive exhibit. Based at 16 metres in depth and reaching to 6 metres below the surface, the Coral Greenhouse is an experience suitable for beginners, including first time divers, and certified divers. Guided by the artists you will have the opportunity to draw from life underwater!

The diving component of the workshop will be operated by Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive, which is Townsville’s most experienced dive training and marine tourism operator. The journey can begin from Townsville or Magnetic Island and takes participants out to John Brewer Reef on the custom-built day vessel Adrenalin (see sample schedule here). Demonstrations and instructions on snorkelling and diving techniques will be provided.

Kerrie, who conceptualised the idea for Discover, Dive, Draw, has been a dive instructor for over a decade and regularly works with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive. Tony started to dive with Kerrie as part of his growing interest in the Museum of Underwater Art.

On the second day, participants will be guided by Kerrie and Tony to complete their own artworks, inspired by their dive experience from the previous day. Attendees will draw in Umbrella’s gallery space amidst Tony’s paintings and drawings for A Coral Garden, which was inspired by his experiences with the MOUA. Participants will be guided through the drawing process, and all materials will be provided, including charcoal, graphite, pastel, inks, and watercolour.

Discover, Dive, Draw is a unique experience that combines and celebrates both our rich North Queensland environment and contemporary arts culture.

Kerrie Everett Horrocks is an artist, dive instructor and educator based in Townsville. Having been immersed in the waters off the Queensland coast her entire life (amongst a family of ocean lovers) and creating art for as long as she can remember, her passions have become naturally intertwined in recent years. After completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University in Townsville, Kerrie continued her studies in Underwater Archaeology, Art History and Education while diving with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive. She has been a teacher and dive instructor for over a decade and brings the excitement of diving the Great Barrier Reef to many of her artworks. Kerrie is a member of Umbrella’s studio access group, and her recent work has spanned printmaking, painting, textiles and drawing.

Tony Fitzsimmons has exhibited in the Percival Portrait Painting Prize since 2010. In 2014 his work won both the drawing and oil painting sections of the Townsville Art Society Annual Awards. He has held solo exhibitions in Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and participated in many group exhibitions in North Queensland. He was an artist in residence at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Wales in 2015, and participated in the 2017 and 2019 PUNQ / Pop Up North Queensland festivals.

Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is a multi-award winning, PADI 5-Star Dive Centre specialising in snorkel and dive trips to various reefs on the Great Barrier Reef, and the SS Yongala. Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive is committed to protecting our natural environment, and all their trips are ECO Certified by ECO Tourism Australia. Adrenalin is a 14-metre flybridge vessel, which cruises at 17 knots and is fully fitted out for diving and snorkelling with easy access in and out of the water.