Ashburton Society of Arts

The Ashburton Society of Arts (ASA) is a vibrant group of artists and art enthusiasts. It is an Independent Society which holds it's annual exhibition at the Ashburton Public Art Gallery, Baring Square East, Ashburton. The Ashburton Public Art Gallery also holds a number of the Society's works in it's collection. The ASA is however a separate entity with it's own membership and members' rooms (Short Street Studio). If you wish to contact the Ashburton Society of Arts, please refer to the information below.

Weekend schools, weekly art group; annual exhibition June/July; Short Street studio available for hire for independent exhibitions; membership $20.

ASHBURTON SOCIETY OF ARTS STUDIO
The Ashburton Society of Arts is very proud to own its own building at 53 Short Street, Ashburton. This gives us a place to call our own and a venue for all our workshops, meetings and events throughout the year where we know we have complete privacy to enjoy our art.

MEMBERSHIP
Annual Subscription $20. Financial year is from 1 September – 31 August. Receive newsletters keeping you in touch of all our varied and inspiring activities and events including bus trips and outings, art inspired general meetings, art news, members’ exhibitions, independent exhibitions, etc…, along with those activities mentioned below. Send your payment to PO Box 261, Ashburton enclosing name, address, phone number and email address. Contact Val Henderson – phone +64 3 308 5460

WEEKLY PAINTING GROUP
Wednesdays 10am – 2pm. This is for member artists of all levels who want to come and paint/draw and be with likeminded people, sharing ideas and knowledge. Non-tutored. $10 per month, $3 per day casual. Contact Margaret Clemens – phone 307 2317.

PRINTMAKING GROUP
First Monday of the month from 10am This is for member artists of all levels. Contact us for more details.

WEEKEND SCHOOLS
During the months of February – May and July – November the Society arranges various tutors to impart their knowledge to artists. Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am to 4.30pm. Information on schools will be in our newsletters.

‘PAINT INS’
Untutored weekends painting at various locations. Information will be included in our newsletters.

SUMMER SCHOOL
A week long summer school is held in January. Email Society for dates and contents.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION
Our Annual Exhibition featuring Art and Applied Art & Craft is usually held during the last two weeks of June and first week of July. It attracts approximately 500 entries from all over New Zealand. To be eligible, artists must belong to the Ashburton Society of Arts or to a kindred society. Artists are allowed to enter two paintings (no larger than 1100mm including frame), three miniature paintings (no larger than 100 x 100mm) plus three applied art & craft entries (of restricted size) if desired. Entry forms are posted out to ASA members during April. Entries close about the last week of May and works are required to be delivered the Monday/Tuesday of the week before the opening of the exhibition. If you are a member of a kindred society and wish to enter email your name, address, phone number and name of society you belong to and an entry form and conditions of entry will be mailed to you.

GENERAL MEETINGS
General meetings are held monthly (usually on the 4th Monday night)for the purpose of members getting together to exchange ideas, news, share an art video, watch painting demostrations, listen to speakers etc. Information in newsletters... Everyone welcome - bring a friend. Contact Ngaio McKee 308 4533

LIBRARY
We have a good collection of art books and magazines which we are adding to all the time. Members are welcime to borrow these for a three week period.

CASH & CARRY EXHIBITIONS
The Society holds two Cash & Carry exhibitions at their studio during the year, usually March/April and October/November. Members are welcome to enter. Look for information in newsletters.