News and Events
News and Events
DVAS grand celebration is coming on 9 Aug 2025
28/07/2025
A reminder to DVAS members that our 55th Birthday celebration will be held on Sat 9 Aug, 12pm – 3pm in the Mummery Room of the Edendale Farm.
For over half a century, our society has been a canvas for artists to paint their dreams, a stage for expressing stories, and a vibrant community that connects souls through the universal language of art. As we mark this special occasion, we invite you to reminisce, revel, and rejoice in the artistry and friendships that have flourished over the years.
There will be lots of stories, memories shared, fun activities, wonderful food and drinks.
Please send your RSVP to dgardner@bigpond.net.au.
15/07/2025
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Thurs night workshop will not run on Thurs 17 July 2025.
We will be back as usual on Thurs 24 July.
15/07/2025
DVAS has recently run Hot Teddies and Clay Play workshops (advertised below) at Edendale. The kids were so enthusiastic and this time we had quite a few boys who made hot teddies (to be heated in the microwave) and were really good at their sewing skills.
The other class was clay play which always books out with about 50 kids attending. A very popular activity and the kids are so proud of their work.
These school holiday activities are supervised by DVAS volunteers and is our way of giving back to Edendale for the use of their rooms. Thank you so much to the volunteers who gave their time to help out. It was greatly appreciated and helped raise funds for Edendale.
Images: From July 2025 workshops
01/07/2025 This information was sourced from Edendale Events Calendar
Join the Diamond Valley Art Society for some hands-on creative fun at the Ironbark Shelter. This exciting clay activity is designed for 3 to 10-year-olds to explore their artistic side while having a blast.
DATE: Mon 14 July 2025
TIME: 1pm – 3pm
VENUE: Edendale Community Environment Farm
30 Gastons Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
TICKETS: $3 per child
Under the guidance of practicing artists, kids will get to mold, shape, and design their own unique creations, whether it’s an object or a small bowl. All the materials, including paper clay and sculpting tools, will be provided – kids just need to bring their imagination!
Clay can get a little messy, so feel free to bring along an apron to keep clothes clean. The best part? The children can design whatever they want – it’s their very own masterpiece! Instructions for oven firing will be given so they can finish their creation at home.
Let your child’s creativity flow with Diamond Valley Art Society!
How it Works:
Create your clay masterpiece: Around 20 minutes of creative fun.
Drying time: It will take about 30 minutes for the clay to dry enough for safe transport. We’ll provide re-used plastic containers to help carry your creation home.
Booking & Timing:
When: Arrive anytime between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM. Activity wraps up at 3:00 PM.
Bookings are required.
Images: From past DVAS workshops
27/06/2025 This information was sourced from Edendale Events Calendar
Come join the Diamond Valley Art Society in the Mummery Room for a hands-on, fun-filled activity!
This workshop is perfect for kids aged 8-15, where you'll get to create your very own Wheat Bag Bear to take home! A practising artist will guide you through every step, and there are only 10 spots per class, so you’ll get plenty of attention while making your cute little teddy bear.
Each kit comes with everything you need: a sewn teddy made from cozy polar fleece, Aussie wheat, cotton, needle, and ribbon for a lovely bow. You’ll just add the wheat, stitch up a small slit, and tie on the bow. Then, voila! You’ll have your very own bear, ready to be heated in the microwave for 1 minute, so it’ll be warm and snugly for bedtime. Plus, there are lots of different designs to choose from!
Important: Parents or caregivers must stay with the children or remain nearby and contactable during the session. Sessions run for 45 minutes, starting at set times.
DATE: Thurs 10 July 2025
TIME: 10am - 10.45am
VENUE: Edendale Community Environment Farm
30 Gastons Rd, Eltham VIC 3095
TICKETS: $15 per child
We can’t wait to see you there! It’s going to be a blast!
Images: Teddies made in past DVAS workshops
2025-26 Memberships are due from 1 July 2025
05/06/2025
Another wonderful year at DVAS and the memberships are due again from 1 July (standard membership period is from 1 July to 30 June each year).
We’ve had lots of fabulous events and planning many more. Our 55th Birthday Celebration is coming on Sat 9 Aug 2025. The preparation is in full swing, more details will be released closer to the date.
In 2024 we were particularly lucky to welcome Miffy Stone with her Art Masters Visual Art School. Classes are going really well, please have a look at her Tutor Profile page.
We continue expanding our website where regularly updated News and Updates demonstrate the society's activity and engagement with members and the community. We shape them so they appeal to various interests, promote inspiration and creativity.
DVAS Members Benefits:
- Regular informal workshops with friendly supportive conveners (included in membership fees)
- Discounted fees for art classes offered at DVAS
- Paint out days
- Participation in DVAS Art Shows and Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
- Unique studios with art library and resources in a historic Homestead building at the Edendale Environment Community Farm, Eltham
- Pottery and ceramics studio with kilns at the picturesque Slovenian Club, Research
- Facebook group and Instagram account with regular news, calls for exhibition entries, cultural events, inspiring resources about art, members sharing their projects
- Opportunities to showcase member artwork in stories, posts and reels
- Promoting information about DVAS members having solo exhibitions, participating in group shows or art fairs
- Monthly e-Bulletin with updates, important news, calls to enter external exhibitions, classes and creative events across Victoria
- Artist profile on DVAS website
- Discount at Victorian Artists Supplies and Senior Art Supplies stores
- Great volunteering opportunities: join the committee, become a workshop convener, assist with exhibition set up and sales, volunteer in our school holiday program. Help us make DVAS better and stronger!
Further info and 2025-26 Form are available on Membership page.
Earth's Tapestry group exhibition at Bolin Bolin Gallery
29/05/2025
DVAS President Ellen Jenkins, tutor and convener Anna Madyarova, and Panton Hill ceramicist Jen Sheridan will have a group exhibition Earth's Tapestry at Bolin Bolin Gallery in Bulleen Art & Garden Nursery. It is going to be a fabulous event with varied works and mediums. We hope to see you at the opening night or please come by to check the exhibition and the lovely Nursery.
DATES: 4 July – 19 Aug 2025
VENUE: Bolin Bolin Gallery @ Bulleen Art & Garden (6 Manningham Rd West, Bulleen VIC 3105)
OPENING: Sun 6 July, 3-5pm
Earth’s Tapestry is a selection of paintings, ceramics and textiles which draw upon the artists observations and experiences from the natural world: earth, land and sea.
Ellen Jenkins
Ellen’s sculptures celebrate the natural environment, people and animals, each one showcasing unique forms and movements. Inspired by the rich textures colours and patterns of nature, Ellen uses clay to create a tactile connection with the natural world. This collection invites you to reflect on the beauty of our world and the life that weaves us all together.
Anna Madyarova
Anna’s textile art offers a softer counterpoint to the solidity of the clay sculptures and ceramics. Having moved to Australia from Europe over 20 years ago, Anna is still fascinated by how its natural environment is different in geology, colour, light and texture. Her colour pencil drawings on wooden panels and hand-made paper capture the light and shadow of the landscape and the expressive eyes of its inhabitants in intricate detail. Each piece weaves together the textures and colours of Australia’s unique natural world, offering a multi-sensory journey through its boundless beauty. These tactile artworks bring a more delicate, textured dimension to the exhibition.
Jennifer Sheridan
Jen’s functional ceramics reference the geological contours of the Earth’s crust, with muted shades of ash, yellow and ochre predominant. Jen finds herself consistently drawn to working creatively with and from nature, and over many years has tinkered with basketmaking, spinning wool, dyeing, textiles, weaving, gardening, and now ceramics. Her work is strongly informed by the scrubby bushland, the skeletal soils, and the sharp contours of the land on which she lives and works. The thin soil contours of clay, mudstone and sandstone are represented in the carved and matt-glazed surfaces of Jen’s work.
FURTHER INFO: www.gallery.baag.com.au/event/earths-tapestry/
Encore Exhibition at Gallery Unbound
29/05/2025
Congratulations to DVAS members who are participating in Encore Exhibition at Gallery Unbound. Come down and have a look at their lovely works.
DATES: 28 May 28 – 15 June 2025
VENUE: Gallery Unbound
497 High Street Northcote VIC 3070
OPENING: 30 May 2025, 6pm - 9pm
FURTHER INFO: www.galleryunbound.com.au/
Image: Artworks by DVAS member Seema Rao
Social Sketch/Plein Air with Linda MacAulay at the Slovenian Club
28/05/2025
The fabulous award-winning artist and longtime DVAS friend Linda MacAulay will hold social sketch/plein air at the Slovenian Club on Thurs 29 May. DVAS artists and anyone else interested are welcome to come and work in any medium.
Lots of stunning views as well as some very interesting taxidermy within the hunting lodge itself. If it rains, we can work indoors or under the shelter of the verandah. This is a great opportunity to visit this unique location and practice working from life with like minded souls.
While you are there check out the ceramics facilities for the Diamond Valley Arts Society. Follow the signs to the art society for parking.
DATE: Thurs 5 June 2025
TIME: 10am - 1pm
VENUE: The Slovenian Club at 82 Ingrams Road Research VIC 3095
Facebook: Linda MacAulay, DVAS Facebook Group
The event is by gold coin donation (for non DVAS members only) to cover the use of the facilities such as toilets, tea and coffee.
Images: Linda MacAulay and an oil artwork she did last week
DVAS is turning 55 in 2025!
21/05/2025
It is a big year for DVAS. Our 55th Birthday celebration will be held on Sat 9 Aug. More details will be released closer to the date.
Watch this space!
DVAS Art Show - Oct 2025
28/04/2025
DVAS has announced the dates of the next Art Show, Sat 11 - Sun 12 October. The venue will be the Mummery Room at Edendale Farm.
Discover a lovely collection of original paintings, drawings, sculptures, and pottery at our vibrant art display! Explore stalls brimming with unique handmade merchandise, perfect for art lovers and collectors alike.
Each day, engage with talented artists on site, watch art and sculpture demonstrations, and learn about upcoming workshops and classes. Meet the conveners and tutors while soaking in the beauty of the picturesque Edendale farm setting. This event is perfect for families, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to be inspired.
Image: DVAS Art Show in Nov 2024
Our tutors: Jo Armstrong
24/04/2025
A new page Our tutors: Jo Armstrong has been added to DVAS website. Have a look and contact Jo if you are interested in joining her wonderful classes.
Image: Sketch by Jo Armstrong
Nillumbik Artists Open Studios This Weekend
23/04/2025
Some DVAS members are part of a group of 28 plus artists who open their studios to art lovers twice a year. They are painters, metal artists, print makers, textile artists, sculptors and ceramicists.
This unique event offers an exclusive peek into artists' creative processes. Explore vibrant artworks, meet the creators, and purchase unique pieces directly from the source. Enjoy a ride through the picturesque landscapes of the Nillumbik, all while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness art in the making!
2025 DATES: 26 - 27 April, 3 - 4 May, 15 - 16 November, 22 - 23 November
TIME: 10am - 5pm
Good luck to the artists and visitors!
Further info: Nillumbik Open Studios
Image: Gentle Waves by DVAS member Valeri Laver who will open her studio this weekend
Our tutors: Miffy Stone
17/04/2025
A new page Our tutors: Miffy Stone has been added to DVAS website. It shows Miffy's artworks as well as pieces made by her amazing students in Artmasters school.
Image: One of Miffy's artworks
No Thurs Night Workshop on 1, 8, 15 May 2025
09/04/2025
Due to convener being away, Thurs Night Workshop won’t run on 1, 8, 15 May 2025. Back to normal schedule on 22 May.
Paint on, fellow artists, paint on!
2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
31/03/2025
DVAS had a fantastic time at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, lots of sales and interest from visitors.
Please check out photos on Art Shows page.
Huge thanks to the committee and the wonderful volunteers who helped us run DVAS display. Congratulations to all artists who sold their work.
We are looking forward to 2026 Show!
Congratulations to DVAS member on winning the Best In Show Award from the Botanical Art Society of Australia
28/03/2025
Congratulations to DVAS member Alison Tippett who received The Best In Show Award from BASA (Botanical Artists Society of Australia) at 2025Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
What a wonderful achievement!
Image: The winning work 'Banksia Menziesii', Coloured Pencil
Courtesy of the artist
Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2025 Exhibition
21/03/2025
DVAS members get involved into many local events and activities. Some of them will be volunteering at Nillumbik Prize for Contemporary Art 2025 exhibition. It will be great to be part of this high-profile cultural event.
The exhibition will run in Montsalvat (7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham ) between Fri 4 April - Sun 25 May.
FREE ENTRY (usual entry fees to Montsalvat grounds apply).
Launch and announcement of winners will take place on Thurs 3 April, 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Further information can be found here.
Image: From Nillumbik Shire Council website
No Thurs Night Workshop on Thurs 27 March
20/03/2025
Our Thurs Night Workshop won't run on Thurs 27 March. This is due to Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
We will recommence as usual on Thurs 3 April 2025.
Everyone is invited to come to the show, it's a beautiful event full of gardening and artistic inspiration!
www.melbflowershow.com.au
Repair Cafe at the Edendale Farm
20/03/2025
A great initiative at the Edendale Farm: their new volunteer-run Repair Cafe launches Saturday 22 March 10am-12pm!
From their website: Get your household items repaired for free and reduce unnecessary waste going to landfill. Our repair cafe is run by volunteers who are skilled at repairing and want to help our community be more sustainable.
When: 3rd Saturday of the month
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm (ongoing Repair Cafes)
Where: Mummery room, Edendale Farm, 30 Gastons Rd, Eltham
Bookings aren't compulsory, but they help us make sure we have the right repairer for your item available on the day.
You can bring items for simple repairs including:
battery powered appliances
clothing (not alterations)
homewares
jewellery
tools
toys
mechanical items
garden equipment
small furniture
You will sit with the repairer while they are fixing your item so you can get some tips for fixing things yourself at home. Repairs are free as the repairers volunteer their time. We appreciate donations to help with ongoing operational costs including materials.
For more information and to register your interest check out our Humanitix event page: https://events.humanitix.com/edendale-repair-cafe-22-march-2025
Specialty Techniques Classes Offered by Heidelberg Artists Society
16/03/2025
In March - July 2025, Heidelberg Artists Society is running great affordable classes in specialty techniques:
- Scratchboard Art
- Drawn Characters Development for Cartoon Drawing
Venue: Main Rd Community Hall (86 Main Road, Lower Plenty VIC 3093)
Please download the poster for all further info. Contact mail@has.org.au for all further info.
Ready for Firing
06/03/2025
It's great to see our kiln all set up for a bisque firing. Ellen, DVAS President, is looking after the process and she sent this photo.
The Sculpture and Pottery Workshop runs from 9am – 2pm on a Thursday and is held at The Slovenian Club in Ingrams Rd, Research which is about a 7-minute drive from Edendale. DVAS members can attend at any time during these hours. There are 3 pottery wheels for members to use and large benches to work at. They will have their pottery kiln up and running very soon. The building has a beautiful environment and outlook and is a fully equipped studio. We also hire life models from time to time and work over a 3 week period sculpting them to refine portrait skills or a full body pose. Everyone is welcome to join this enthusiastic and friendly group and peruse your own clay interests.
The kilns are electric, members are required to bring their own clay.
Please contact Ellen at 0432 438 513 for further details.
Casual Saturdays Art at DVAS
20/02/2025
To provide more opportunities for DVAS members to do their art at the Edendale Homestead, in 2025 we will run Casual Saturdays Art workshops. We will be open 12pm - 4pm on some Saturdays throughout the year.
Dates will be announced on our website and social media.
The first workshop will run on Saturday 1 March 2025.
Bring your own projects and enjoy your time at DVAS. No RSVP required.
NOT A MEMBER? You are welcome to come for two free trial sessions, please contact us at admin@dvartsociety.com.au if you are interested.
DVAS Members Exhibiting at Gallery 7six5
19/02/2025
A few DVAS members are participating in an art show organised by group Art and Soul. It is their very first exhibition together.
A Fragile Landscape: A Celebration of Creativity
An inspiring exhibition that brings creative thoughts and inspirations to life on canvas, paper, board, fabric, felt, clay, and more. The process of putting the show together has been filled with encouragement, idea-sharing, and plenty of laughter.
DVAS member Valerie Laver said that this experience has sparked a new approach to her acrylic work. She has been experimenting with layering techniques and resin, pushing her creativity in exciting ways. Learning new skills has been both rewarding and challenging—especially when mistakes become opportunities for growth.
The group can’t wait to share their work with you:
DATES: Feb 28 - March 16
OPENING NIGHT: Feb 28 - 7.00pm - 8.30 pm
ADDRESS: Gallery 7six6 (765 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd, Watsons Creek)
GALLERY HOURS: Fri – Sun 10am – 4pm or by appointment
WEBSITE: www.gallery7six5.com.au
INSTAGRAM: @Gallery7six5
New Website Launch!
05/02/2025
We are delighted to launch our new website www.dvartsociety.com.au today.
In 2025 DVAS will celebrate its 55th Anniversary. Obviously 5 is a special number for us so we timed the release for the 5th of Feb. The website has fresh modern look, consistent branding, convenient navigation, and expanded DVAS History page. It will be regularly updated with news and events.
The old website has served us well for many years! We would like to thank everyone who looked after it in the long time we've had it.
DVAS members are invited to have their Artist Profile on the new website. We have already published a few:
You can email your information to admin@dvartsociety.com.au. The profile will be a great promotion for you and a showcase of our members' talents.
Info required:
- A combined Bio/Artist Statement of yourself (written in the first person)
- Good quality (high-resolution) photos of your artworks with title, medium and year (max 10)
- Your social media info (links to your website, Instagram, Facebook, Bluethumb, Art To Art etc)
- If you would like to be contacted for sales and commissions, your contact details
Once it is set up, don't forget to advertise your Profile via all available channels: website, social media and maybe even add it to your artist email signature.
We are sure this new website will raise DVAS profile, attract more visitors and promote our society as a vibrant and active community.
Update about Sculpture and Pottery Workshop
17/01/2025
The kilns are now up and running!
The workshop runs from 9am – 2pm on a Thursday and is held at The Slovenian Club in Ingrams Rd, Research which is about a 7-minute drive from Edendale. DVAS members can attend at any time during these hours. There are 3 pottery wheels for members to use and large benches to work at. They will have their pottery kiln up and running very soon. The building has a beautiful environment and outlook and is a fully equipped studio. We also hire life models from time to time and work over a 3 week period sculpting them to refine portrait skills or a full body pose. Everyone is welcome to join this enthusiastic and friendly group and peruse your own clay interests.
The kilns are electric, members are required to bring their own clay.
Please contact Ellen at 0432 438 513 for further details.
Image: The Pointer Sisters by DVAS President Ellen Jenkins
Handmade clay sculpture, black and white clay and steel legs
2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
11/01/2025
The next Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is coming to Melbourne on 26 - 30 March 2025. DVAS members will have a chance to put their artworks for sale at this huge event attended by thousands of visitors.
Sales are always good at the show and the atmosphere is electric.
Entry forms have gone out to members.
Holiday Art Fun - Clay Play
09/01/2025
DVAS is happy to collaborate with Edendale Farm and offer Holiday Art Fun - Clay Play activities for children.
- Wednesday, 15 January 2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Wednesday, 22 January 2025 | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Come to the Ironbark Shelter for hands-on fun activities aimed at 3- to 10-year-olds to create works of art to take home with you. Practicing artists will lead the children.
A hands-on fun activity aimed at 3- to 10-year-olds to play with clay and make an object or bowl. The paper clay and sculpting tools will be on-site, all the children need to do is to turn up and have fun. Clay can be messy so feel free to bring an apron if you want. The children are encouraged to create any design they want; it is their creation. Instructions on oven firing will be provided for completing their creation at home.
It takes about 20 minutes to create the clay piece, and then up to 30 minutes to dry out so as to be able to carry home. We will provide some re-used plastic containers to assist with this.
Bookings are required but you can arrive anytime between 10.30am and 12.00pm (12.30pm finish).
Cost $3 per child. Please see further information here.
Welcome to 2025!
05/01/2025
Our Thursday Night Workshops are back from 9 Jan 2025, 6 – 10pm. Bring your own pieces/projects to work on with lovely music as a background. Have a cup of tea, chat with other artists and enjoy a great night!
Watch out for further announcements. Lots of fun events, art classes and workshops on offer in 2025. More info to come soon!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
24/12/2024
DVAS would like to wish everyone a safe and wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Image: Plants 1 by Anna Madyarova
Mixed media, 2022
DVAS in 2024 Photo Display
20/12/2024
Next time you are in DVAS Homestead, have a look at the display of 2024 DVAS events and classes photos. What a great year for DVAS!
Art Supplies Sales at DVAS
15/12/2024
DVAS has set up a small art supplies sale at the back of Room 1 of Homestead for its members. Very reasonable prices for frames, paper, canvases, paints, art books etc. Please follow the instructions provided at the Homestead to purchase.
DVAS Christmas Paint Out
21/12/2024
DVAS had a lovely Christmas Paint Out with Linda MacAulay on Sat 21 Dec 2024. Good attendance, nice coffee at NaNy Gallery where her exhibition was running, great gouache demonstration from Linda, interesting works produced! The weather was perfect.
Thanks to everyone who turned up and to Linda for her wonderful demonstration!
DVAS AGM
14/11/2024
DVAS ran its Annual General Meeting on 14 Nov, thank you to everyone who attended. The Society is in great shape, we are looking forward to another successful year.
10/09/2024
DVAS members are invited to a two-day challenge on Fri 11 and Sat 12 Oct 2024, 12pm - 5pm. Come to DVAS Homestead and finish those half-done artworks, use your canvases that have been collecting dust to create something spectacular, implement your ideas that you have never had time for.
We will be open at 12pm - 5pm and you are welcome to come by at any time. If the weather is nice, we may be working outside on our lovely terrace.
Bring your lunch. We hope to see you there!
RSVP to admin@dvartsociety.com.au by 9 Oct 2024.
25/03/2024
Autumn 2024 DVAS Art Show will take place at the Edendale Farm on Sat 13 – Sun 14 April 2024. Please spread the word and bring your friends and family!
18/03/2024
We have changed our logo. Huge thanks to the award-winning local artist Linda MacAuley for providing the design. Over the next few months you will see it being incorporated into all our documents, files, and social media including this webpage. Thank you for being patient while this happens as both logos will be popping up in many places as we transition over!
Paint the Farm Day with Thou Art Mum Art Group
28/10/2023
On 28 Oct we had another Paint the Farm Day together with members of Thou Art Mum, an art community of over 40 female artists based in Diamond Valley. Visitors appreciated the picturesque location, enjoyed friendly chats, a lovely cup of tea and painting on Homestead verandah. DVAS is always looking for ways to connect with other local community groups and this was an inspiring event.
22/09/2023
Spring 2023 DVAS Art Show will take place at the Edendale Farm on Sat 21 – Sun 22 Oct 2023. DVAS members are invited to enter their works. We are looking forward to a great show, please bring your friends and family!
Nesting Doll Workshops
16/07/2023
In April and July 2023, DVAS convener and art tutor Anna Madyarova ran a series of two workshops about the history and design of a famous nesting doll or Babuska (as they are called in Australia). In the first workshop students dived into the fascinating origin and history of Matryoskhas (that's what they are called in Russia) and created a drawing of their own. The second workshop got students to look at examples and techniques of painting elaborate decoration on the wooden Matryoshkas. Each student came up with their unique design and painted a set of five dolls. The experience and feedback provided were fantastic!
Paint the Farm Day
07/05/2023
DVAS had a lovely Paint the Farm Day on 7 May 2023. The day started with meet and greet in the Homestead. The artists spread out through the Edendale Farm and attracted a lot of attention and praise from visitors, particularly small ones. The day closed with a great show and tell from each artist.