About Us
Our society exists to help members enjoy their art. Being fortunate enough to have our own clubhouse, each day every week we have members in the rooms painting, socialising and browsing the Society's library of books and magazines. For example, those interested in portrait and contemporary drawing gather on a Monday to paint together, whilst on Fridays the outdoor painting group roams delightful city and rural locations to paint en plein air. Please refer to the Regular Activities page for more details on painting activities during the week.
In addition, we regularly host experienced tutors in all mediums for one or two day weekend workshops. Participation in these events, whilst underwritten by the Society, attract workshop fees to cover the costs associated with bringing the tutors to us.
The Society has had over 300 members for many years and, having its own studio rooms at Lambton, it is able to provide a venue for daily social art, tutoring, workshops and small exhibitions of members' work.
In addition, we regularly host experienced tutors in all mediums for one or two day weekend workshops. Participation in these events, whilst underwritten by the Society, attract workshop fees to cover the costs associated with bringing the tutors to us.
The Society has had over 300 members for many years and, having its own studio rooms at Lambton, it is able to provide a venue for daily social art, tutoring, workshops and small exhibitions of members' work.
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Where Are We?
Our clubhouse is at;
38 Howe Street, Lambton, New South Wales, adjacent to the Bowling Club in Lambton Park (approximately opposite 37 Howe Street).
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How can you get involved?
See our Contact Us page for contact details and a membership form.
Our Artists Workshops page for scheduled workshops. Or our Tuition page.
Our Exhibitions page to see past and future exhibitions by our members.
A Potted History
The Society of Artists had its beginnings at a gathering held at the house of Sybil Hough at Stockton in December 1970 during a discussion between Bill Freeman, Jo Hanrahan and Sybil, followed by an initial meeting at Bill's place in Minmi in February 1971. Jo Hanrahan was a real mover and shaker, playing an important to the overall success of the society. There was always a huge number of attendees to the monthly meetings and couldn't all fit into the hall and had to stand along the sides and at the back doors!
The inaugural general meeting was held at the Technical College at Tighes Hill on 5 May 1971, with the first sketch days being held at Bill's place. One of the first paint outs was at Dudley Beach and artist Douglas Dundas tutored one of the first workshops. The Society's first exhibition as held at the newly opened Jayes Art Gallery.
In 1975, the society moved into the former Cooks HIll High School, operating as the Arts Centre until the school was reclaimed in 1988. The following year, the society moved into the Community Arts Centre in Parry Street, renting some larger rooms on the second floor for $35 a week. The school was called the Community Arts and Adult Education Centre. The society was incorporated later the same year under the name Society of Artists Newcastle, Inc.
On the 3rd September, 2002, the society unanimously voted to purchase the Lambton Ladies Bowling Club, moving in in December 2002. It remains our current residence having already served our members well, providing all the facilities needed to hold meetings, workshops and store exhibition display panels and our library and other supplies.
Today the society is some 400 members strong, with members from all over Newcastle and the lower Hunter. Over the past 10 years or more it has hosted at least two main exhibitions each year - one at the Raymond Terrace Shopping Centre and the Newcastle Art prize at various locations. The Newcastle Art Prize was held at the Adamstown Uniting Church from 2014-2023, but in 2024 it moved back to the Society's premises at Lambton.
The inaugural general meeting was held at the Technical College at Tighes Hill on 5 May 1971, with the first sketch days being held at Bill's place. One of the first paint outs was at Dudley Beach and artist Douglas Dundas tutored one of the first workshops. The Society's first exhibition as held at the newly opened Jayes Art Gallery.
In 1975, the society moved into the former Cooks HIll High School, operating as the Arts Centre until the school was reclaimed in 1988. The following year, the society moved into the Community Arts Centre in Parry Street, renting some larger rooms on the second floor for $35 a week. The school was called the Community Arts and Adult Education Centre. The society was incorporated later the same year under the name Society of Artists Newcastle, Inc.
On the 3rd September, 2002, the society unanimously voted to purchase the Lambton Ladies Bowling Club, moving in in December 2002. It remains our current residence having already served our members well, providing all the facilities needed to hold meetings, workshops and store exhibition display panels and our library and other supplies.
Today the society is some 400 members strong, with members from all over Newcastle and the lower Hunter. Over the past 10 years or more it has hosted at least two main exhibitions each year - one at the Raymond Terrace Shopping Centre and the Newcastle Art prize at various locations. The Newcastle Art Prize was held at the Adamstown Uniting Church from 2014-2023, but in 2024 it moved back to the Society's premises at Lambton.