The Society had its beginning as long ago as 1870 when a small group of artists and lay persons met in magistrate James Robertson’s house at Blessington Street, St. Kilda, to form the Victorian Academy of the Arts – the direct ancestor of the VAS.

Among the founders were Louis Buvelot, J A Panton, Thomas Clark and Hubert de Castella. This heavyweight group were instrumental in not only securing the Crown Land Grant on which our building now stands, but in the early establishment of the Society as a legal entity.

Immediately following the grant of land in Albert St. (1873) a small blue stone building was erected which although almost totally subsumed by the present building, still serves both as a studio and a reminder of our colonial past.

In 1886 the professional artist members led by Streeton, Roberts and Charles Conder broke away and formed the Australian Artists Association. This split did not last long and in 1887 talks commenced to reunite the two groups and in 1887 the Victorian Artists’ Society was born of this union.

Whilst formed in 1870, the Victorian Artists Society maintains an active painting and drawing schedule for artists including outdoor painting where artists can work, enjoy and share their creative activity in a group.

The painting classes cater to art students at all levels over a wide range of mediums including: Oil, Pastel, Watercolour, Acrylic and Gouache. Lessons cover a range of Drawing Technique, Portraiture and Landscape. Sculpture classes are also available.

On 6 October 2013 during Seniors Week we moved our art class to Fed Square, one of the most visited and public areas of Melbourne. This is also part of the Victorian Artists Society agenda to promote the social aspects of being involved in creative activities.

Fed Square with its very essence of reflecting Australia’s Federation is a poignant space to stage the Brushstrokes of History with the Victorian Artists Society’s foundation members pioneering Australian painting in the era of Australia’s Federation.

Whether you are an art beginner looking for an opportunity to learn art skills or appreciation, a more practiced artist wanting to hone or develop new skills, or someone wishing to showcase or collect artworks, we would be delighted to assist you in your endeavours.

Feel free to drop in and take a tour of our art room or contact us directly on the phone.

T:
A: 430 Albert Street, East Melbourne 3002