1st row left:
Eileen Mackley AM, President of the Victorian Artists Society; Her Excellency, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC; Ron Smith, Council Member.

2nd row left:
Hylton Mackley AM, Council Member; Maxine Wain, Council Member; Meg Davoren-Honey OAM, Council Member.

3rd row left: 
Rachel Robertson, Council Member;  John Hurle, Council Member; Rosemary Noble, Council Member; Radmila Hardi, Council Member; Sue Ireland, Council Member.

4th row left:
Fred Toumayan, Council Member; Bruce Baldey, Council Member.

Her Excellency, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC, officially launched the Victorian Artists Society’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations last night.

Following the official opening the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria and Mr Anthony Howard AM QC toured the restored building including the original historic art studio and the historic galleries.

The Governor presented the Victorian Artists Society Fellowship and Signatory Awards as part of the official opening. The awards recognise a significant contribution to the Victorian Artists Society by individual members.

The Fellowship Awards were presented to Mr Ray Wilson, Mr John Hurle, Mr Robert Senior and Mr Ron Smith by the Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, and Eileen Mackley AM, President of the Victorian Artists Society.

Ray Wilson receiving his Fellowship Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Society during his time as VAS Treasurer, VAS Manager, Project Manager of building restoration project and his major contribution to the VAS art school, education and exhibitions.

John Hurle receiving his Fellowship Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Society during his membership years as convenor of the VAS permanent collection and leadership in weekend paint out days during his term as a VAS Council Member.

Robert Senior receiving his Fellowship Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Society during his membership years through exhibitions, sponsorship and promotion of the Society.

Ron Smith receiving his Honorary Fellowship Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution and distinguished service to the Society during his membership years with promotions through print news media, TV, radio, video productions and promotion of the Society. 

Were awarded to the 9 artists listed below for having been selected to exhibit in VAS 'Select' exhibitions twelve times or more during a period of 5 years:

Mr Ivan Horacek, Ms Moira Laidlaw, Ms Vicki McInnes, Mr Tim Murphy, Mr Kristan Oud, Mr Robert Pelchen, Mr Peter Sharp, Ms Pilar de la Torre and Mr Hans van Weerd.

Official Opening of the VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition 2020
Viewing until 5pm Monday 23 March 2020
Galleries: Frater, Hammond and McCubbin

The Victorian Artists Society held the official opening and awards presentations for the annual Contemporary Exhibition sponsored by the George Hicks Foundation last night.

The Judge for the Contemporary Exhibition was artist Robin Stewart.

The winner of the VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition 2020 was artist Susan Sutton for her painting titled 'Labyrinth'.

Highly Commended Awards were presented to Paul Laspagis, Ray Hewitt, Ian Wilson, Linda Weil, Hsin Lin, and Heather Towns.

The 2020 Victorian Artists Society Contemporary Exhibition Sculpture Award was presented to Zoja Tromfimiuk for the sculpture titled 'Vanity'. Maxine Wain received the Highly Commended Award for the sculpture titled 'Crackling' in the Contemporary Exhibition.

Judge Robin Stewart

Since the 1960 Robin has worked as a commercial artist, illustrator and designer in studios and advertising agencies in Australia, Canada, USA and England. Robin began painting full time in 2009 and works from his studio in Melbourne. He has exhibited paintings in solo and group shows around Australia. 

The George Hicks Foundation 

The late George Hicks was awarded Life Membership of the Victorian Artists Society in 1979. Mr Hicks' name appears on the Victorian Artists Society Honours Board. Mr Hicks was a major sponsor to the Victorian Artists Society's Spring and Winter Exhibitions from 1968 to 1987. 

Left: Maxine Wain, Highly Commended Award for Sculpture; Hsin Lin, Highly Commended Award; Eileen Mackley AM, President, Victorian Artists Society; Zoja Tromfimiuk, Winner of the 2020 Victorian Artists Society Contemporary Exhibition Sculpture Award; Susan Sutton Winner of the VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition 2020; Judge Robin Stewart.

Back Row: Paul Laspagis, Highly Commended Award; Linda Weil, Highly Commended Award; Ray Hewitt, Highly Commended Award; Heather Towns, Highly Commended Award; Ian Wilson, Highly Commended Award.