Jim Cox
MONTVILLE STUDIO
Jim Cox
artist, teacher environmentalist
Jim grew up in Melbourne, where he studied graphic design at RMIT. His career took him to various cities, working in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney before eventually relocating to Queensland.
In Brisbane, Jim taught at the Queensland College of Art before moving to Townsville, where he played a key role in establishing the Art Department within the TAFE system. He later returned to Brisbane and founded the Art Department at Gateway TAFE.
After retiring from teaching in 1996, Jim spent several years travelling across Australia and visiting international destinations, including Japan, Europe, the UK, Morocco, and China. In 2022, he and his partner, Pam Maegdefrau, settled in Montville, where they embraced the Blackall Ranges' natural beauty.
Retirement doesn't mean not working for Jim. Most days he disappears into his studio with some idea or some project. He exhibits as the fancy takes him, exhibiting at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Gallery
for the past three years.This Reserve is an important remnant forest in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland bequeathed to the community and managed by Sunshine Coast Council.
This reserve is the perfect location for Jim to show his artwork, as visitors come to enjoy this beautiful forest, the education centre and the family spaces.
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He opens his studio most years for Arts Connect Inc. 'Open Studios Program, usually held in May and is happy to open by request .. making art is WHO he is and his daily delight.
He still illustrates for environmental publications, local authors and contributes designs for community events
Jim shares his studio with partner Pam Maegdefrau, also an artist and the property they have chosen to make their own is reflected in their work. They sue the themes of the flora and fauna that surrounds them
Jim and Pam set up their individual workshops
establishing
"Flying Porky Studios"​
​Montville
Jim and Pam were both passionate about the environment so joining Landcare and Land for Wildlife was a natural step. They planted a rainforest to establish native habitat, and set up food gardens for themselves and native animals.
Jim had long been a keen birdwatcher and an illustrator for many Nature magazines and publications throughout his life.
as Foundation members of Arts Connect Inc. they were instrumental in establishing the programs
'Sculpture on the Edge' and 'Open Studios'
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most years they open their studio for this
Arts Connect Inc. event in May
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