Dive the Great Barrier Reef and draw underwater with artist Kerrie Everett Horrocks. 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 Art.

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. Demonstrations and instructions on snorkelling and diving techniques will be provided.

On the second day, participants will be guided by Kerrie to complete their own artworks, inspired by their dive experience from the previous day. Attendees will draw in Umbrella’s gallery space amidst the work of contemporary visual artists. Participants will be guided through the drawing process, and all materials will be provided, including charcoal, graphite, pastel, inks, and watercolour.

Limited to 17 spaces. | Limited to 12 uncertified divers. | Minimum age 13 years. | *Hire of BCD & Regulators will be $45.00 extra. | Capable swimming ability required. | Uncertified divers will need to fill out a basic medical questionnaire and undertake a 30-minute e-learning lesson (online) prior to the trip. | Divers will need to complete an online registration. | All drawing materials will be provided. | Please send enquiries to [email protected].

Kerrie Everett Horrocks is an artist, dive instructor, activist and educator based in Townsville. Having been immersed in the waters off the Queensland coast her entire life, her passion for art and the Ocean have become naturally intertwined. After completing a Bachelor of Visual Arts at James Cook University in Townsville, Kerrie continued her studies in Underwater Archaeology, Art History and Education. She has been a teacher and dive instructor for over 15 years and brings the excitement of diving the Great Barrier Reef to many of her artworks. Kerrie’s work over recent years has also highlighted social struggles and the war in Myanmar, allowing her to raise vital funds for displaced burmese refugees in the country’s eastern border towns. Kerrie is a member of Umbrella’s studio access group, and her work has spanned printmaking, painting, textiles, sculpture and drawing.

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.

Image: Kerrie Everett Horrocks. Thailand Researching, Solo exhibition: 1000 Days Later, 2023. Photography: Naing Lin Oo, Pho Phra Thailand.