Roland and Maria Schultz put a notice in the news sheet called the Community News which circulated in the Greenhills area, requesting that anyone interested in establishing an Arts Society should get in touch with them.

This advertisement was seen by Ron and Digby, and as they were thinking along the same lines, they contacted the Schultz’s to combine their efforts.

Subsequently it was decided to hold a meeting at Ron’s house (Bannerman Avenue, Greensborough) of all interested people. This meeting was advertised by word of mouth and a notice which Ron made up (the first of many) was put on the noticeboard at the Greensborough railway station. This meeting was held on the 15th July, 1970. Approximately 20 people were present and some of those names were: Ron Reynolds, Digby Watson, Lou Jetton, Marion Bruere, Murray Pulford, Alan Sartori, Bob Anderson, Maria and Roland Schultz.

The Diamond Valley Arts Society was formed at this meeting. Many ideas were expressed for future activities of the DVAS. It is planned to hold regular discussions and practice sessions in sketching and painting. In addition there will be visits from well-known artists, Gallery visits and eventually an exhibition, and possibly an Arts Festival will be arranged.

The committee wanted to have an exhibition as soon as possible, both for the benefit of members and to advertise the new Society. It was found however, that the only hall available – Greenhills hall – required a rent of $30; it was felt that this amount was beyond the resources of the Society, so the exhibition was deferred until 1971.

The first exhibition of the Society was an outdoor show held adjacent to the Wattle Glen Fire Brigade and on their behalf. The operation was conducted with military precision, organised by a most capable member David Reid (then an army captain). Most equipment was loaned by the army – your taxes at work. David Reid ran very close to being president; however army postings took him away from us – at our loss. Early members will remember David – about 6ft 4in in army overalls with his string things!

The Society’s first landscape painting outing was held on Sunday November 1, 1970, at Partington Flats, Greensborough, and this was followed by a late afternoon barbeque.

The meeting for 1970 ceased on November 26, and it was arranged to recommence in February 1971.

In 1971 it was found that, due to growth in membership, the Juggernaut Coffee Shop had become inadequate, so a new meeting place was found by Graham Ormond, at Mr M O’Connor’s property, 68 Sherbourne Road, Briar Hill. This consisted of a clubhouse associated with his private tennis court. The first meeting was held there on February 11, 1971. The rent agreed upon was $5 per week, which covered the use of the clubhouse by both the pottery and painting groups.

In March 1971, the potters had progressed to the point where they required a wheel. As the group did not have the funds to purchase one, a wheel was hired from Potters Workshop in Bulleen, for $6 a month. By April 14 1971, it was found that the group had expanded so rapidly it was felt desirable that 2 groups be formed, beginners and advanced. Anita Repsys agreed to take the beginners group (Wednesday night) whilst May Leckie continued with the more experienced group (Thursday).

At this time a copper enamelling group was formed at the home of Mrs Liz Reid, then a new member, and was about six strong. 

A writers group which had been formed towards the end of 1970 dropped into abeyance, as it was found that there were insufficient interest to warrant its continuing.

During 1970 the society as a body was invited to participate in various local shows. But in May 1971, a minute on the book reads “The Society is to exhibit as a Society only at its own Annual, or more frequent, exhibitions, or at an event considered by the committee to be beneficial to the Society or to the community. The committee should advise all members of art-craft exhibitions to which the Society has been invited to enter, and encourage individual participation”. The reason for this was that the committee found the Society was being asked to run exhibitions on behalf of various organisations. “We got a bit annoyed that we did all the work and others got the Loot”. It is worth noting that these shows were the forerunners of the numerous art shows which have been conducted in the district ever since. Many known artists got their start in this way.

Subscription per member at this time was $2 and was to be used for administrative purposes. Term fees were $5.50 for potters, $4.50 for painters and included tuition.

Murray Pulford loaned the Society $50 for the purchase of a potters’ wheel. Subsequently the pottery group did some fundraising, and repaid the loan with thanks.

In August 1971, there were seven copper enamellers, an average attendance of twelve at the painters’ group, and two pottery groups, both full and doing well.

The first exhibition held for the benefit of the Society was on the weekend of September 25 and 26, 1971, at the Greenhills Pre-school. The profit was $341.10, divided equally between the Society and the Pre-school. The committee thought it was necessary to guard the exhibition at nights, in case of armed robbery. Pairs of brave men took turns to sleep overnight – “a bit spooky”. David Sewell hid the opening night’s takings (several hundred dollars) in a pottery exhibit, but next morning could not remember which pot the money was in!

The Beginnings

1972 - 73

1974 - 75