History of the Kiama Art Society Inc

The Kiama Art Society was formed in 1966 as the Kiama and District Art Society. Mr and Mrs Alan Spackman generously allowed the use of the upper floor of the old Hartwell House stables at 3A Farmer Street as a meeting and exhibition venue. The founding members worked hard to repair and restore the room and turn it into a gallery. The first exhibition of member’s paintings was opened on 14th December 1966 and the gallery is still in use today with monthly painting demonstrations, workshops, children’s classes, life drawing classes, and committee meetings.

The first president was Arthur J. Woodcock followed in 1969-70 by George Bristow. Dick Moss was elected in 1970 and served until 1984. During his presidency in 1979, the first open Annual Exhibition was held in the Kiama Showground Pavilion with the main sponsors being the Peter Stuyvesant Foundation and Kiama Council, who continued their sponsorship until 1988 when there was an outcry against tobacco company sponsorships.

From 1980 the major award for the best overall painting in the exhibition had become acquisitive, the painting being retained by Kiama Council.

The Kiama Leagues Club (formerly The Group 7 Leagues Club) in 1989 became the major sponsor for the 11th and subsequent Annual Exhibitions which have been held in their auditorium. Since that date the overall prize winning paintings have been retained by the Kiama Leagues Club and displayed in various parts of the club complex.

Fred Nolan became President in 1984 and after his untimely death in 1986 Elaine Colefax held the reins until leaving the district in 1990. Jim Evans succeeded and has continued in that capacity except for two  separated years when Mark Halley & Len King filled the position. Jim Evans stepped down in 2003 with the presidency falling into the capable hands of Norm Gilmour for two years, after which Barbara Spence occupied the chair 2005-07. The current President is Faye King who takes a major role in mounting this year’s 30th Annual Exhibition.

The Annual Exhibitions have gone from strength to strength. The total prize money has risen from $775 in 1979 to $7,800 in 2004 due to the generosity of our many sponsors. The major overall prize, donated by the Kiama Leagues Club rose to $2,500 in 1994. The 18th Exhibition in 1996 saw a second overall prize of $1,000, donated by Cleary Brothers and 1997 saw the introduction of a third overall prize of $500, donated by the Kiama Council. The People’s Choice Award was introduced in 2000, and 2003 saw the introduction of two Young Artist’s sections, ages 12 years and under, and ages 13 to 18 years.

We have had many hard working Exhibition Convenors over the years and our thanks go out to them. Most latterly, these people are the late Norm Gilmour (until 2004),  Carole Johnston (2005 and 2006), Len King (2007 and 2008).

The Coach House

The Coach House is located at 3A Farmer Street, Kiama.

Although no longer operating as a gallery, remains the home of the Kiama Art Society.