To our Patron Ben Quilty, our hosts Janet and Tim Storrier, to our Esteemed Members, Friends, and Guests, welcome to this event celebrating 75 years of Creativity and Connection.
It is a tremendous honour to stand before you today to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone alongside several past defining Presidents. This is a momentous occasion, not only for the Bowral and District Art Society itself but for the entire community of Bowral and the Southern Highlands, whose cultural life has been enriched by the Society’s contributions for over seven decades.
Seventy-five years ago, a group of visionary artists and creatives came together with a shared purpose: to nurture the arts, to inspire each other, and to create a space where creativity could flourish in our beautiful region. They didn’t just establish an arts society – they set in motion a legacy of artistic excellence that continues to thrive and evolve to this day. I want to acknowledge Kath Smith who was instrumental in forming the Berrima and District Arts Society in 1950. The first Children’s Art Exhibition was held in 1953 and a Members exhibition also commenced early on and both of these exhibitions continue to be a key part of the annual exhibition calendar. I’d also like to take this moment to acknowledge the generosity of the Bent family who made acquiring the cottage in Short Street in 1970 a possibility becoming known as the Bent Memorial Art Centre with a studio added out the back.
From its humble beginnings, the Bowral and District Arts Society has grown into an institution that has supported countless local artists, brought art to the wider community, and provided a platform for both established and emerging talents. Through exhibitions, workshops, and events, the Society has woven the rich tapestry of creativity into the fabric of this region.
As we reflect on the past 75 years, we can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude to those who have volunteered their time, their expertise, and their creativity to build something so enduring. These dedicated individuals have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often without fanfare, to ensure that the arts continue to thrive in our region. Their efforts have brought countless hours of joy and inspiration to our community.
But it’s not just the founders and volunteers that have contributed to the success of the Bowral and District Arts Society. It’s all of you – the artists, the supporters, the patrons, and the community. You are the heart of this organisation, and your enthusiasm and love of the arts make the Society what it is today.
We are incredibly fortunate to have a thriving arts scene that continues to grow in our community. As we look ahead to the next 75 years, we will continue to play a vital role in promoting and supporting each new generation of artists. As part of our focus on the future, recently we rebranded as The Bowral Art Gallery. And while our name may have changed, we will continue to push the boundaries of creativity and inspire our community to embrace the arts and all the magic it brings, in the same way our founders did 75 years ago.
So, let us raise our glasses in celebration of 75 incredible years. Let’s honour the achievements of the past, the vibrancy of the present, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. To the Bowral Art Gallery – may you continue to thrive, inspire, and enrich our community for many more years to come.
Thank you, and happy 75th anniversary!
Cheers!
Cath Brennan President
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