Waikato Museum celebrates 75th Anniversary of Waikato Society of Arts

An exhibition celebrating 75 years of the Waikato Society of Arts opens at Waikato Museum this Saturday [4 April].

'The Action Front: 75 years from the Waikato Society of Arts' has been created by Waikato Museum Concept Leader Visual Arts Leafa Wilson and well-known Hamilton painter Joan Fear to recognise the great works produced by Waikato Society of Arts (WSA) artists as well as the extensive work carried out by the Society to raise the profile of art in the region.

"The exhibition marks the 75th anniversary of WSA and honours the huge contribution its members have made to the art scene in the area," said Ms Wilson. "It tells the story from the very first members at the 'action front' right through to the 250 active members today."

Featured in the exhibition will be works by many renowned artists including Ida Carey, Adele Younghusband, Rob Gardiner, Joan Fear, Campbell Smith and Frances Van Dammen (winner of a merit award at the New Zealand Painting and Print Making Award 2009).

The Action Front: 75 years from the Waikato Society of Arts will be displayed at Waikato Museum until 4 October 2009.