Dungog Arts Society members have been dealt a blow after learning they have to look for a new place to call home from October 1.
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The dreaded news came on the eve of the society’s annual art exhibition which opens with a gala night this Friday, September 8.
The exhibition runs until September 17 when the members will then have two weeks to pack up and vacate the premises in Dowling Street.
“Paddy Dillon, our very generous benefactor since 2009 now needs the building,” said Arts Society secretary Pat Straker.
“Our arts society is an icon and an asset for Dungog and we are seeking the community’s help to find us a home to keep going.”
In 1973 the Dungog Show Committee invited the community to take part in an art exhibition. From that, the art society was formed and some of that original group are still members today, including Elaine Stuart and Wendy Grahame.
“Back then our monthly meetings were held at various venues, we painted at home and met for paint out days, exhibiting in the Annual Show, at Tocal, the library or wherever invited,” explained Mrs Straker.
The group had the temporary use of premises on the corner of Hooke and Dowling Street for 1999 and in 2007 hired the Doug Walters Pavilion and then the Anglican Hall in 2008 and 2009.
“Then Paddy Dillon came to our rescue offering us our current premises to use as a gallery and the large rear areas for the annual exhibition,” said Mrs Straker.
“We had a home and our membership grew and from our members several professional prize-winning artists have emerged.”
The annual art exhibition is nationally advertised through art magazines and thanks to generous sponsorship, the awards and categories have increased.
This year’s exhibition has 112 exhibitors with 294 entries – some as far afield as Queensland.
“Our town has such wonderful historical assets such as the James Theatre, the museum and other arts and craft outlets that it is obvious and logical for arts and culture to be a major focus for tourism and because of that our society is worth saving.”
NEW HOME NEEDED: Dungog Art Society members are all smiles ahead of their annual exhibition opening this week but will then need to find a new premises.
