Diamond Valley Arts Society - 1974

History: 1974 - 75

1974

President David Sewell, led a committee that set the fees at $10 per year. In February if 1974, a motion on the books reads “that a trust fund be set up, in the form of Government Bonds”. This fund was established for the purpose of saving money in order to eventually purchase our own premises.

The spinning and weaving group added eight new members, and looked forward to an interesting year of spinning, tapestry, weaving and macramé. The copper enamelling group was not functioning at this time, though a number of people had shown interest.

At a meeting between the DVAS, Diamond Valley Shire and the Lions’ Club of Greensborough. Decisions were made concerning the first Diamond Valley Art Awards. The Society was responsible for selection of judges, invitations to artists, design of exhibition. Catalogue and manning the exhibition. It was recommended that 10% of hanging space be allocated to DVAS members, with the remaining space to be allocated by ballot.

Digby Watson was the main force on this committee, and was primarily responsible for getting the Diamond Valley Art Awards off the ground, with the able assistance of Councillor Pauline Toner.

In March of 1974 it was possible to see electric arcing between sheets of iron on the roof of the Sherbourne Road building on a wet night. We were experiencing some trouble with toilet facilities as our “home” was considered a public building, and although there was a “thunder box” no one was game to use it due to the red backs and the smell. Expansive repairs to the switch-board and increased rental costs precipitated a letter to the Shire of Diamond Valley and councillors Toner and Chick, appealing for assistance to find suitable and more permanent premises.

By July in 1974, membership stood at 101. Highlights had included George Haddon, Herald cartoonist, in an informal demonstration and discussion and an electric pottery kiln purchased from Preston High School for $50.

It was rumoured in July of 1974 that the Old Greensborough Primary School may be demolished, and there was a move by some members of the community to have this historic building preserved. Max Paisley agreed to look into the possibility of the possibility of the building being used as an Art Centre. It was noted in the minutes of the following month that the school as not available for use. ( in 1975 the Shire did a feasibility study on the possibility of a large Art Centre. The study was in 3 stages: concept study, sketch plans and working drawings).

The year ended with a market day in early December and a successful Christmas party at the workshop.

1975

The new president was Digby Watson; he and the committee got the year off to a good start with a large painting group (20–22), and drawing, copper enamelling and pottery groups.

Activities during the year included a talk by Lou Jetton on framing and art materials, a wine tasting night, a display night with members of the Box Hill Group, a field day, a visit to the Society by the Pocket Theatre group, a demonstration of canvas stretching, and a market day. Other suggested activities were lectures by Fred Baker. Commercial artist, David Mapleston, on how to paint the human form, Vincent Hardiman, to demonstrate slab pottery, (the minutes note at this time “request attention and no talking while someone is lecturing….”)

Further to the Art Centre issue, two member of the Society were invited to attend a meeting with the Diamond Valley Shire to “look after our interests in the sharing of a proposed new building”.

During this year investigations were made into the possibility of the DVAS forming into a company. There seemed to be many difficulties associated with this. It was also suggested that a re-organised Society be formed, with $100 debentures (over 5 years) per member, to get a government grant to establish our own building with a permanent gallery. This was then deferred to the next annual meeting as only a small number of people showed interest. (the matter was allowed to drop).

Due to the interest throughout the area in learning arts and crafts (encouraged by the D.V.A.S.) the Eltham Shire opened the Living and Learning Centre. This developed and provided (amongst other things) classes in arts and crafts. It attracted people away from the Arts Society, since our main policy was to provide workshops rather than classes. Another reason for the decline in membership was that a significant number of members had become semi or totally professional in their arts. And there was little to attract their attention or attendance.

During these first 5 years many fund raising functions, operated by schools and charities in the district were based on art and craft shows. Society members provided most of the stock for these shows, and many members found the hobby becoming a paying proposition. Lou Jetton and Ross Pickard opened their own art supply/framing businesses; Digby Watson, Mary Jupp, and Roy and Flo Reeves (later joined by Marion Bruere and Carolyn Ison) opened Gallery 4 in Eltham. Another local gallery owner Don Brown of Bimbadeen Gallery, joined the Society later to become its president in 1980.

Overall the Society struggles to maintain member interest in the various activities. In July the financial membership stood at 91. It was hoped a resurgence of ideas would get the next year off to a good start. By the end of 1975, the DVAS had its own letter-head and Post Office box.