The Ashburton Society of Arts (ASA) was formed in November 1964 to “promote the study, practice and cultivation of the visual arts and to encourage the production of works of art” here in Whakatere Ashburton.

The official opening of its Studio at 53 Short Street was in November 1981. To this day the headquarters of the Society, it was the culmination of many hours of restoration and renovation through time and energy freely given by ASA members. In October 2010 the Studio completed extentions to allow for more space for storage, classes and workshops.

Now in its sixtieth year, the ASA is a mainstay of the town’s arts community, running weekly art group meetups, classes and staging independent member exhibitions. In addition, its Annual Society of Arts Exhibition is held here at the Ashburton Art Gallery.

This exhibition presents a selection of works held in the Society’s collection. Alongside those from formative members of the Society, there are works from artists that have risen to prominence both regionally and nationally – a testament to the ASA’s dedication to collecting artwork from the district, region and beyond.

Main image: Kath von Tunzelmann, Mesopotamia, 2005, watercolour on paper

Left image: Mary Darwin, Bush Fantasy, date unknown, oil on board