By REBECCA BILLS
IT IS one of the oldest and most active arts societies in Melbourne and it is gearing up to celebrate 70 years of art in 2014.
The Ferntree Gully Arts Society’s The Hut is a hub full of diligently crafted works of art by local artists, both well-known and emerging.
First opening its doors in 1944, The Ferntree Gully Arts Society began after a letter by local potter Allan Lowe.
In the letter Mr Lowe suggested that an art exhibition should be held to develop the cultural and appreciative level of residents with the money raised to be donated to the Red Cross to aid fighting men.
History tells that after a fruitful exhibition showcasing works by Australian art personalities including Arthur Streeton, Louis Buvelot, William Rickets, Merrick Boyd and Albert Namatjira, the society was formed – and so too was the gallery that is still going strong today.
It was then in 1951 that the Tuesday night Sketch Club was formed which became a staple to the societies calendar and was very popular with artists from the ‘big smoke’ who travelled from the city to the little hut by train to get involved.
Volunteer at The Hut Gallery Betty Vella said it is one of the oldest organisations in Ferntree Gully and stands as an icon through its rich cultural heritage.
“The Hut building oozes history,” she said.
“In 1947, soon after the arts society was formed, an old army hut was moved from Darley, near Bacchus Marsh, to the Underwood Road site.
“Over the years the building has been added to, modified, painted several times and re-roofed.”
The not-for-profit organisation is run by members who all volunteer their time.
To celebrate 70 years of The Hut Gallery, a month long exhibition of art work from their historic collection will be displayed in conjunction with two high tea afternoons with music and discussion.
More information in regards to the events will be available early next year.
The community gallery and studio is now home to various weekly classes and workshops in painting, drawing, printmaking as well as weekly life drawing sessions, and continues to host regular exhibitions of local artists from around the Dandenongs.
Over February the gallery will be holding a portrait exhibition called ‘Let’s Face It’, followed by the ‘Pen and Paint’ exhibition where artists interpret poems from a poetry group.
The Hut gallery is at 157 Underwood Road, Ferntree Gully, and is open every Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
For more information visit thehutgallery.wordpress.com or phone 9758 8955.
