The Art Society of Tasmania Inc.
The Lady Franklin Gallery open Saturday and Sunday 11-4. Telephone (03) 6228 0076
Ancanthe Park, 268 Lenah Valley Road , Lenah Valley. Postal Address PO Box 332 Moonah Tasmania 7009
130th ANNUAL REPORT
For the year 1st January to 31st December 2014
PATRON
THE GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA
VICE PATRONS
RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD MAYOR OF HOBART
THE HONOURABLE ROB VALENTINE, MLC
LIFE MEMBERS
Max Angus A.M., F.R.S.A.
Carolyn Bassett
Diane Casimaty
Betty Debnam
Patricia Giles
Terrence Gough O.A.M.
Lynn Hasenkam
Margaret Kay
Elspeth Vaughan
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014
Vicki Chapman
President
Maggie Nettleship
Vice President
Sue Holm
Vice President
Carol Sheppard
Hon Secretary/Public Officer
Gloria Elphinstone
Treasurer
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2014
Betty Debnam
Lucy Murfet
Jenny Miller
Susie Meech
Ann Viney
Rosemary Whatley
Paula Woodward
Co-opted members: Ross Preston
and
Lynn Hasenkam
Dawn Oakford and Nicole Maguire resigned during the year.
VISION
The Art Society of Tasmania aims to be a key player in the visual arts in Tasmania, having a
meaningful role in helping artists by developing skills, educational and exhibition opportunities.
OBJECTIVES from our Business Plan
The Society’s Objectives are:
 To maintain and gradually increase membership in order to support and maintain its activities
 To respond to and initiate state-wide and regional arts events in recognition that the Society
must be relevant to all Tasmanians
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
In its 130th year the Art Society is proving to be an active and an important resource to Tasmanian artists. We
have a growing membership with more of our members being active in our events as we continue to present quality
exhibitions and have a well supported, varied workshop program.
This would not be possible without the hard work and commitment put in by our dedicated committee who
volunteer their time, knowledge and skills to enable our workshops and exhibitions to occur. On behalf of the
membership I thank the committee for facilitating another successful year for our membership and others beyond it who
also benefit from the work they do.
The Governor of Tasmania has been the patron of the Art Society of Tasmania since its inception in 1884.
Last year we were saddened by the death of the Governor, the Honourable Peter Underwood, AC who had been a
genuine supporter of the arts and our society. Thank you Carolyn Bassett for representing the Art Society at the state
funeral.
EXHIBITIONS
Last year 12 exhibitions occurred in the Lady Franklin Gallery. The new members exhibition continued into
January followed by “Workshopped” where we showcased work created, finished or not, that was created in workshops
during the past year. This show also has the effect of encouraging enrolment in new workshops.
Hazel Howie had her first solo exhibition, “On the Wild Side” in February which featured her loving depiction of
birds and wildlife. Her opener, Dr Bob Brown, drew a large crowd and her work was well received. She even managed
to create a wilderness of ferns, trickling water, bird calls and a few echnidnas, who were very well behaved, in the
centre of the gallery. Lady Jane would have loved it. Hazel’s art had more exposure last year with prizes in the
Australian Artist, and the Wrest Point Art Show and another exhibition at the School House Gallery.
Members were inspired by the colours of autumn in March and in April Sue Holm shared her story of choosing
to settle here in Tasmania in her solo exhibition “Washed Ashore”. Her work was eclectic, free, colourful and energetic
as it seized found objects like a suitcase or birdcage that symbolised aspects of her journey. She set these beside her
bold paintings, which paid homage to her art heroes, and photos to create a vibrant exhibition.
Dawn Oakford pulled together a talented group of invited artists to present “Small Beginnings” in May. It was a
visual feast with a fabulous variety of works from printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and painting to inspire our
members and visitors. The artwork was set against white household furniture demonstrating the idea that original art
can be part of every home and that every collection has a small beginning. Thanks Dawn for all the time and effort you
put in bringing this show together.
Members presented still lifes, thoughts of cooler days and views of interiors for the exhibition, “Life Indoors”.
The watercolours of Sue Florence and Jane Payne were a delight in their joint exhibition, “Poetic Licence”.
These girls can really nail a scene to its essential beauty and create strong connection by simplifying what they see.
They were well supported by friends, family and all who visited their exhibition and had many sales.
The 130th Annual Exhibition was bursting with artworks. As the Governor was ill at the time, the exhibition was
opened by Lieutenant Governor, Justice Allan Blow. The major prize – the Freedom Award for the Best Work, went to
“Zinc Works”, a mixed media piece, by Alison Lazaroff-Somssich. Terry Gough won the Artery Prize for the best use of
medium. Susie Meech, Sue Fricker, John Hodgman, Amanda Walker and Ruth Sharkey all received a Highly
Commended certificate. The Hangers Prize went to Jenny Miller. Thank you to our independent judges who always
have an unenviable task judging such a range of work to award these prizes. The Ad Art People’s Choice prize went to
Roger Imms. Thanks also to our sponsors, Carol and Tony Sheppard of Freedom Hobart, Roy Leeman at Artery and
Deb Walsh at Ad Art. Freedom Hobart also promote original artwork by our members on a wall in their store and donate
the commission to the Art Society. Thanks Carol and Tony.
Susie Meech and Vicki Chapman had a frenzied preparation for our exhibition “Watching and Waiting” after
returning from France. The exhibition featured people, family, friends and strangers in quiet poses. Although the idea
had incubated for some time, the experience and focus we had mind, turned up so many more painting opportunities
that we just had to include. We tried, with success to replicate one of our favourite experiences, the Carrieres de
Lumieres in Les Baux de Provence, featuring Klimt and Vienna. The gallery was transformed with this magical light
show. Our unsold work and a few extras then went on to be exhibited in Eskleigh by the Launceston Art Society.
In October “Janes Garden” grew on the gallery walls with bold colour and pattern. Sue Holm created a
stunning sculpture of Lady Jane Franklin which was purchased by the AST to add to our collection.
Roger Imms exhibition, “Images from a time of waiting” featured oil, pastel and charcoal works. The subjects
ranged from seascapes and shorelines to skies and symbolic motifs. Roger did an amazing job of promoting his work
and through his artist talks really engaged the viewers and gave them a strong understanding of his journey and
imagery. He approaches and presents his work in a totally professional way and consequently it was a great show and
almost totally sold out. Roger is a finalist in this years Glover Prize.
The “Hot Shots” exhibition captured the fun, colour and spirit of summer with beachy paintings, flowers, people
and landscapes. There were also quirky little sculptures, jewellery and ceramics and some strong abstract pieces. The
opening combined with Christmas drinks to welcome the holiday period. We even had bright red deck chairs adorning
our central space!
We were very disappointed not to be able to hold our WaterWays exhibition in the Long Gallery as part of the
Australian Wooden Boat Festival, in February this year. Salamanca Arts Centre’s priorities are confusing and we
deemed other venues unsuitable.
The work of many of our members featured in group exhibitions, like the Rotary shows, and Wrest Point,
council exhibitions and solo and group shows. Well done everyone for putting yourselves out there.
Our exhibition program could not happen without the time and commitment of our volunteers.
Carol Sheppard and Jenny Miller receive the art work at hand-in. Lynn Hasenkam, our curator, has a wonderful skill
when it comes to arranging the work to be seen at its best. She is often assisted by Dawn Oakford. Ross Preston
quietly comes every hand-in to prepare the work for hanging, then appears again as the drinks man at openings. Vicki
Chapman prepares the catalogues. Rosemary Whatley keeps our fridge and food cupboard at the ready. Susie Meech
and Lucy Murfet do a fabulous job of catering at our openings and cleaning up afterwards, with help from others as
well. Maggie Nettleship and Prue Quarmby usually man the front desk and greet our guests, providing catalogues and
taking sales at openings. Paula Woodward promotes the exhibitions on the website and through the newspaper. Elaine
Lincolne organised the roster of sitters which keeps the gallery open to the public. We really appreciate all the work that
goes into the roster.
Again, I express my gratitude to these people who give up their time to enable these opportunities to exist for
us to exhibit our artwork.
WORKSHOPS and EVENTS
The bus trip to the Glover Prize in Evandale is always a popular day out. A relaxing bus ride, with an intriguing
exhibition as its destination gives us a lot to discuss on the journey home. Thanks to Maggie Nettleship for organising
the day, everyone looks forward to it.
In January the Gallery hosted the launch by Alderman Ron Christie, of Roger Francis’s book – “The Lost
Pages”.
Our wonderful workshop committee offered a varied selection of workshops for members and others.
Terry Gough led a plein air day at Goodwood which produced some lovely work. Mel Hills showed us
watercolour techniques. Gemma Black took us through the process of illuminating an initial letter. Gina Haywood
shared her drawing skills and Roger Murphy demonstrated his simple loose signature style of watercolour. Kay Chin’s
botanical group continued to meet and create exquisite floral pieces – look out for their exhibition in April. Di Casimaty
used her depth of experience to help members with a fix-it day, to save disappointing paintings. Lyn Diefenbach, an
excellent realist painter from Rockhampton, led a workshop in painting flowers in oils and pastel. Michelle Beauchamp
introduced us to the intricacies of Zentangle.
Carol Sheppard joined the workshop committee and dived in at the deep end by organising 2 workshops and a
demonstration with popular UK watercolour artist, Jean Haines. Jean’s contagious energy and enthusiasm was
inspiring. Carol’s competency with logistical organisation made it all flow beautifully. It was so successful, Jean is
planning to come again!
Kathryn Presser uses the gallery twice a month for her watercolour group who have been meeting and
painting together for years.
Thank you to our organisers, Betty Debnam, Ann Viney, Vicki Chapman and Carol Sheppard for giving us
such choice and for taking the bookings, looking after our tutors and generally doing a great job. We often gain new
members through our workshop program.
COMMUNICATIONS
Sue Holm and Paula Woodward have all done a fabulous job with our newsletter and website and facebook
page. Our newsletter has become a vital source of information about what we’ve done and what we’re planning to do,
as well as newsy bits about our members. Thank you Sue, we all look forward to each edition, as well as keeping up
with the interesting snippets on facebook. Paula posts each exhibition on our website as well as promoting what we do
in the newspaper.
Sue Holm and Betty Debnam also produced a calendar for 2015 featuring work of our members and life
members. It was very popular and we have sold out. Sue has also organised sets of cards to be printed for sale.
MEMBERSHIP
Carol Sheppard has managed to look after membership applications as well as her role as secretary. This is
her report.
We are very pleased to report that we have 193 members on our books.
This includes:
135 full exhibiting members, 99 financial and 36 non financial
46 social members, 30 financial and 16 non financial
9 life members
3 honorary members
In 2014 we gained 18 exhibiting members and 16 social members.
So far this year we have had 3 exhibiting and 9 social members.
A big welcome to all our new members.
Thank you to all members who have renewed their membership for this year and a reminder that in order to enjoy the
discounts off workshops and to exhibit, you need to have paid the yearly membership fee.
In June, our president, representing the Art Society, attended a reception at Government House to celebrate
the Queen’s Birthday.
It is with sadness we note the passing of Life Member, Lynette Wilson, who had been a valued and respected
member and past president.
In Oct we held an Afternoon tea to celebrate and thank our older members who have contributed to the Art
Society over many years. Our guest speaker was Alison Alexander who came dressed in a Lady Jane Franklin replica
gown and read to the group from Lady Franklin’s letters regarding the planning and construction of the gallery.
Joan Humble’s service to the arts was recognised with the awarding of an OAM. She also won several
international awards for her exquisite work last year.
LIBRARY and ARCHIVE
Susie Meech, our librarian, reports as follows
Over 120 books were taken out on loan – double 2012-13.
We added 13 new books to our library plus 7 donations. We continue to make available new artists magazines for
sitters at the front desk to peruse, with older magazines in folders now able to be borrowed from the library.
After receiving a grant last year for shelving to store our archive collection, we have also received a further grant this
year. The Arts Tasmania ‘Small Museums and Collections Program’ Grant will provide us time with a roving curator
who will assess what is significant, collection management and the development of a collection policy for our archived
items and collection held upstairs in the gallery.
Thanks to Susie Meech for that report and for all the work she has done collating our books and magazines,
promoting new titles and making our library more accessible to our members.
GALLERY
Our longer opening times have obviously enabled more visitors to see and enjoy our exhibitions. This has also
made it more difficult for our roster secretary, Elaine Lincolne, to fill the roster for sitters to man our gallery.
We have added a few more LED lights to our tracks and had our beautiful new reception desk installed. Thank
you Susie Meech for the donation of the blackwood timber. Donations from Norma McAuley’s family and the Lenah
Valley Hall Trust paid for the desk. The floor was also painted last year, and we acquired a display frame for unframed
works.
Our new kitchen has just been installed (but that’s 2015 news!) We received $1200 from the Saving Ancanthe
Action Group when they disbanded last year, so this has been put towards the kitchen.
ANCANTHE
After the dust created by the Saving Ancanthe group had settled, the Council responded with a report about the
future of Ancanthe Park and the Lady Franklin Gallery. This was presented in December and the committee had some
concerns about aspects of this report, notably the removal of forecourt and resiting of the toilets, no consideration for
parking and traffic flow issues . A meeting was called, and discussions held. The consultants explained the reasons
behind their decisions and we appreciate the sensitivity of such a report to all the stakeholders. While we look forward
to new toilets, we felt our concerns, particularly in regard to parking and the forecourt, fell on deaf ears but are hopeful
a lack of funding and other priorities will see these recommendations pushed far into the future.
THANK YOU
It has been an honour to have been President over the last three years. I have met so many
interesting and talented people, made lifelong friends and grown into a comfortable place as a person. The
role is demanding and takes up a lot of time, but made worthwhile by the support of such a great committee
and seeing what amazing things can be achieved by a bunch of selfless volunteers wanting to make good
things happen in their community.
Particular thanks go to Vice President, Maggie Nettleship who steered the ship while I flitted off to
France again. She is a terrific organiser and administrator who takes care of issues with ease. She has also
been taking minutes at meetings and sends out our mass emails to members.
Thanks to Carol Sheppard who again balanced secretary/public officer tasks and the management
of membership with calm and efficiency. Sue Holm as Vice President keeps an eye on the big picture of
the Art Society for the newsletter and web and keeps us inspired with snippets on Facebook.
Gloria Elphinstone took on a huge job as Treasurer, as she also set up a new computer
programme, Cashflow Manger, to record our financial transactions. This important job of banking our funds,
recording all the receipts and payments, paying our artists and our bills and sorting the cash box has been
a challenge. Thank you Robert Sargent and Tony Sheppard who have helped Gloria in this transition
period. We have also just purchased a laptop computer to make the treasurers job a little easier. Thank you
Gloria, who is retiring from the committee and going on a cruise and big adventures in England and Europe.
Thanks to Ann Viney, our social secretary, who keeps in touch with members in a friendly, casual
way, sending cards and flowers when needed.
I thank all the committee for the work they have done through the year. Carol, Ann and Betty for the
workshop program, Susie for overseeing the library, Sue for the newsletter and Paula for our website,
Lucy for her generosity and samosas and cakes etc at meetings. Thank you to the committee who sit
through meetings giving their views on the directions and decisions we make and the supporting roles you
fill at openings and events.
I am pleased to have continued to foster close ties with the Launceston Art Society as we share
events like the Glover Lovers visit and the Combined Art Society exhibition as well as sharing tutors for our
workshop program.
I think we are presenting an interesting exhibition calendar with a balance of members exhibitions
and feature artists exhibitions where members who want to challenge themselves to put on their own show
are supported to do so.
We give our new members a feature spot every couple of years and inspire members by inviting
established artists to exhibit in the gallery in our invited artist exhibition. Our annual exhibition is supported
by our sponsors and the independent judges give a different perspective to the work on show.
Thank you to all those members who have attended workshops, put work in exhibitions, sat the
gallery, made cards, helped in the kitchen, come to meetings or supported your society in other ways.
Thanks to all our hard working committee, including the co-opted ones who come in for a specific
task. You have all done a wonderful job making our society one to be proud of as we move into our 131st
year.
Vicki Chapman
President
1st March, 2015