Although there have been many changes to the way we spend our leisure hours over the last 50 years, it appears the making of art as a pastime, in some cases quite a serious one, has remained a constant.
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The types of works created –the materials from which they are made and the subject matter explored – have also remained relatively unchanged for many artists over this period.
This continuity of tradition is reflected in an exhibition of works we have installed at the Gallery this week.
The Orange Regional Gallery is showcasing more than 90 works by students and tutors of Orange Art Society in recognition of their 50th year as a group.
Among the works on show are a large number of landscapes and flower-themed still lifes, with several portraits and figurative works, and a handful of animal and bird studies.
Some of these works are very direct responses to the subject, such as works on paper in pencil and charcoal produced during life drawing classes, with others more imaginative responses in oil or acrylic that have been developed into quite substantial works on canvas.
Australia has a long tradition of emulating British institutions and in this regard art societies are no exception.
It is rare for any arts community of a moderate size not to have at least one art society; occasionally they still include Royal in the title, such as the societies for NSW and Queensland.
In many cases there are several, each with their own unique art focus and operational guidelines.
The enduring nature of these societies shows that they continue to play an important role in the cultural landscape of communities.
Historically they were formed to provide training for aspiring artists, provide a collegiate environment in which they could develop their skills, and arrange for the exhibition of contemporary works to encourage appreciation and interest by members of the public.
Art societies operating today in regional areas, such as Orange Art Society, provide a valuable artistic community in which artists from different backgrounds, generations and levels of proficiency can thrive as they develop their individual practice.
We are delighted to support this group of local artists, through staging a survey exhibition of their works, and congratulate them on their milestone of 50 years.
