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, on a Tuesday there's a social group working mainly in oils, on Wednesdays there are pastel classes, whilst on Fridays the outdoor painting group roams delightful city and rural locations to paint en plein air.
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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. 
And on the last Tuesday of each month, the Society holds its regular meetings from 1pm to approximately 2:30pm.  At these guest presenters provide demonstrations or informative talks.

Where are we?

Our clubhouse is at:  38 Howe Street, Lambton, New South Wales

The building is adjacent to the Bowling Club in Lambton Park, about opposite 37 Howe Street.

What can you get involved in?

​Membership - please see our Resources page for a membership form
Go to our Regular Activities page to see our range of workshops, activities and meetings
Go to our Our Exhibitions page to see past and future exhibitations 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. Since 2014 .the Newcastle Art Prize has been held at the Adamstown Uniting Church.