History of Hobsons Bay Arts Society
Founding Member the late Joan Craggs OAM
In 1979 artist Joan Craggs invited local artists to form a social group with the aim to promote art in their community of Altona. When numbers grew to 26 in 1981 the Altona Artists Association was formed. In 1998 the Association changed its name to the Hobsons Bay Arts Society Incorporated to reflect the Victorian Government's amalgamation of the local councils, which formed the City of Hobsons Bay.
The Society takes pride in its community and over the years has fostered the arts in the area. Since 1979 it has organised and presented an annual community art show (currently the 5X7 Art Prize) which attracts many artists from the western region and is sponsored by local companies and business. This event is held in March - April each year.
The Hobsons Bay Arts Society has had a number of homes over the years; the Salvation Army Community Centre in Queen Street in the early years, the Art and Crafts centre in Somers Parade during the 1980s and the former Altona East library during the 1990s. In 1998 the Society moved into the old Altona Hospital, acquired by a public shareholding - the Hobsons Bay Community Advancement Co-operative, who wanted the site to be saved from commercial development and used for community purposes. Thus the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre was developed with consultation at the design stage from a board of directors (which included Joan and Derek Craggs) with a view that the venue, would be a permanent home for HBAS and, with a purpose built gallery at the front of the building, the arts in Hobsons Bay. Whilst the centre was being redeveloped in 2003-05, the Society found a temporary home in the Altona Library meeting rooms. In October 2005 the Society moved into and continues to operate out of the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, offering art classes (including children's classes) at affordable rates, tutored by experienced and talented Society members.
With the aim of encouraging art in our community, the Hobsons Bay Arts Society is a non-profit organisation. Our calendar is filled with activities including members art exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops with artists of note, as well as monthly members nights with artists of various media visiting to demonstrate or lead art activities for members and visitors.
Currently having over 100 members of varied ages and demographics, Hobsons Bay Arts Society prides itself as being a friendly, approachable group of artists and art-supporters with a variety of artistic styles and experience. The Society continues to grow and looks forward to continuing to encourage the arts in the community.
The Hobsons Bay Arts Society warmly invites you to attend upcoming exhibits.
The Society takes pride in its community and over the years has fostered the arts in the area. Since 1979 it has organised and presented an annual community art show (currently the 5X7 Art Prize) which attracts many artists from the western region and is sponsored by local companies and business. This event is held in March - April each year.
The Hobsons Bay Arts Society has had a number of homes over the years; the Salvation Army Community Centre in Queen Street in the early years, the Art and Crafts centre in Somers Parade during the 1980s and the former Altona East library during the 1990s. In 1998 the Society moved into the old Altona Hospital, acquired by a public shareholding - the Hobsons Bay Community Advancement Co-operative, who wanted the site to be saved from commercial development and used for community purposes. Thus the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre was developed with consultation at the design stage from a board of directors (which included Joan and Derek Craggs) with a view that the venue, would be a permanent home for HBAS and, with a purpose built gallery at the front of the building, the arts in Hobsons Bay. Whilst the centre was being redeveloped in 2003-05, the Society found a temporary home in the Altona Library meeting rooms. In October 2005 the Society moved into and continues to operate out of the Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre, offering art classes (including children's classes) at affordable rates, tutored by experienced and talented Society members.
With the aim of encouraging art in our community, the Hobsons Bay Arts Society is a non-profit organisation. Our calendar is filled with activities including members art exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops with artists of note, as well as monthly members nights with artists of various media visiting to demonstrate or lead art activities for members and visitors.
Currently having over 100 members of varied ages and demographics, Hobsons Bay Arts Society prides itself as being a friendly, approachable group of artists and art-supporters with a variety of artistic styles and experience. The Society continues to grow and looks forward to continuing to encourage the arts in the community.
The Hobsons Bay Arts Society warmly invites you to attend upcoming exhibits.