A History of Hawthorn Artists Society                               

 The  First  Decade by   Madge  Baran

1979

The idea of  forming a Society of painters was brought forward at the Community House, William Street, Hawthorn, during a painting session with Major John de Crespigny, a former prisoner of war in Changi Camp.I offered to organise the leaflets to drop in letter boxes, etc, for a public meeting to be held at the Hawthorn City Gallery adjoining  the Library - the date to be 15th October 1979.Chairs were borrowed from the Town Hall - when asked how many we needed I replied that probably 30 would be sufficient; far fom it, there was  standing room only at the meeting.

The meeting was chaired by John de Crespigny. Nominations were called for, I nominated Lieut. Col.(Retired) Arthur Stoyles who was duly elected President. Dr. John Purton was appointed Vice President, Peter Levey accepted the post of Secretary.  Among the large audience were two of our current members (1998) Patricia Winnett and Phyllis Moody, who held office as Treasurer for many years - she filled the role with great efficiency. And now, writing in 1998, we have Pat Winnett as Treasurer and she has filled every role over time with enormous dedication.

The first task of the Executive was to secure premises.  The presiding Mayor was Mr. Sam Coffa who was helpful in the search which finally led to the Returned Servicemens' Hall which, on the face of it, seems entirely appropriate. The three men at the head of the new Society were Lieut. Col Stoyles, Dr.John Burton, ex R.A.A.F., and Major John de Crespigny -  strong representatives. The first year, 1980 recorded a strong increase in membership and plans were made for the inaugural exhibition held in December 1980, courtesy of Mr.John Kenyon, Director of the Gallery, and the Hawthorn City Council. In 1981 President Arthur Stoyles resigned, Dr.John Purton, Vice-President, stepped into the vacancy. At the Annual General Meeting , 1981, Madge Baran was elected President.

By now we had some works to exhibit - the exhbition was held in the R.S.L. Hall, open for a week with the proviso that we dismantle the show on Wednesday evening and re-assemble it the next day. The annual membership fee was fixed at $5.00;  Life Membership at $50, which I took out hoping to encourage others.

There was so much work to be done. Exhibition boards 10ft long needed to be covered in hessian to act as back drop on which to hang paintings; this task was undertaken by Dorothy Baines;  later there was need for dividing curtains to screen the 30ft. passage way. This mammoth task took three members many days, measuring and sewing. We owe thanks for this to Stephanie Hart, Anne Mathias and Lois Brunt. Many other major works were carried out by Alex Allan (dec.), Wally Dean, Rod Hart, Edmund Valentin, John Purton, Graeme Gray. So many wonderful people to be remembered. The goodwill and co-operation was phenomenal and the goal - "The Society".

It is only in retrospect that one can see figures that measure the growth of an organisation dating from our frst source of income ($5.00 Membership Fee) to twenty years later healthy bank balance. Proof of our altruism and community sevice policy soon became apparent - our policy of showing the works that were offered from all members without selection strengthened the aims of the Society more strongly than dolars could do. It was wonderfully gratifying to see the development of artists' works when they exhibited in the ensuing years and so we grow in stature and strength.

We always participate in all community projects on request. Some of our Members accepted the task of major assistance in the city Council's annual collection of donations to the Communty Chest Appeal and Red Cross. We always exhibit  and have held demonstrations at the Annual Fun  Day in the Park.

1985
For the Sesqui-Centenary  of  Hawthorn City Council we organised an Open Art Competition and backed it with a donation of  $400  towards the prize - the Councillors voted an additional $400 which gave $500 First Prize and $300 Second Prize.  Lighting in the exhibition  area was a major problem which was alleviated to some extent by my willing husband who ingeniously designed individual lighting for  the display boards.

The next major event was the Bi-Centennial project. Pat Winnett, who  was President at the time, thought up the brilliant idea to publish a book - the result is "Images of Hawthorn". Each plate is a unique work of a member of H.A.S., drawings and paintings of people, places and buildings of Hawthorn. Our great friend and mentor was Gunnar Neeme who had much experience in publishing layout in advertising and, very importantly, was enthusiastic to help with the project. Finally  we reached the launching which was conducted by the famous public speaker, Campbell McComas,  at the Hawthorn Town Hall September 6th.

The Hawthorn City Council granted us very substantial  financial assistance towards publishing costs and a further interest-free loan for a run on print.  We have always apprciated the general support offered to us.

1989
In 1989 we celebrated our tenth anniversary with a dinner party  catered for in the Lower Town Hall, music by Francois  soon set the guests singing and dancing, helped by the decorations, food and wine and friendship  of all present. The party  was a huge success with  all happiness.

                                                                                                                Madge Baran

" Dreams "
   by Madge Baran  Winner  of  the  Inez Hutchinson  Prize , Beaumaris Art Society 1986.
  The competition was judged by Prof. Bernard Smith.
  As   a consequence of   this she was   listed in the McCulloch Encyclopaedia of Artists
  and in the Max Germaine Encyclopaedia of    Artists.
 
 

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