Merv Muhling: Collected Works 1929-2003. Publication launch and panel discussion

Merv Muhling (1929 – 2003) was a distinguished Queensland artist and teacher who gained his initial art education at the Central Technical College in George Street Brisbane, studying with artists Cyril Gibbs and Melville Haysom. From an early age he worked at Teachers Colleges and Colleges of Advanced Education and had a profound influence as a dedicated teacher of art. He was an educator of artists and art teachers impacting on generations of people in the art field. He wrote articles in professional journals on aspects of art and co – authored a book. He loved nothing more than a good discussion and argument about art.
It was through his influence that the Sydney Art Dealer Ray Hughes was introduced to art. Up until the time of his death, Merv showed with the Ray Hughes Gallery first in Brisbane and then in Sydney.

In 1977 – 1978 Merv went to Rochester New York State USA on sabbatical leave to complete a Master of Fine Art at Rochester Institute of Technology.
As an artist, he showed talent in oil painting, sketching, leatherwork, woodwork, pottery, jewellery, and although he achieved great success as a gold and silversmith it was in sculpture that he found his true interest. Merv’s last major work is the bronze sculpture Crocheted Doily 2001 installed at the Roma Street Parklands in Brisbane. His later work was complex with a deep understanding of form and the nature of materials. – William Robinson.

Merv Muhling: Collected Works 1929 – 2003 is published twenty years on from Muhling’s death in 2003, with daughter Cathy Muhling and wife Val Muhling (2023) the driving forces behind its inception.


Dr Leo Robba is the Associate Dean, Engagement in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. Leo was awarded his PhD in 2017. His practice-based thesis investigates the artist garden tradition and the ways artists throughout history have used the designed landscape, plants and gardens as an expression of culture, and a symbol of human interaction and connection. Prior to undertaking his PhD, Leo had an extensive career in graphic design and visual journalism as an Art Director and Senior Designer for Australian Consolidated Press and Fairfax Media. He has worked on publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Canberra Times, The Bulletin and Australian Business Magazine in both print and the digital realm.
Leo has an extensive career as a practicing fine artist which to date has resulted in more than 35 solo exhibitions and participation in more than 250 group exhibitions in Australia and overseas. He is represented in Sydney by King Street Gallery on William.

Dr Elizabeth Shaw is the Program Director Graduate Certificate and Master of Visual Arts, Convenor of Jewellery and Small Objects and Senior Lecturer at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University.
Elizabeth Shaw exhibits, curates and writes regularly with a focus on ethical practice and the social and cultural values and meanings associated with objects. She is interested in the role of the maker within society, and reconsidering working methodologies and materials to address societal and environmental needs. Elizabeth is an international member of the advisory board for Ethical Metalsmiths. Her studio practice is informed by traditions of silversmithing and sculpture.


When: Fri, 15 Sep 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM AEST.