THE WILLYAMA ART SOCIETY OF BROKEN HILL

John Gregory returned to Broken Hill after Art Tuition in London and found access to art materials and exhibition venues difficult in Broken Hill. Art materials were in short supply and also had to be purchased through catalogues from Sydney. After placing your order quite often the supply was found to be sold out.
In April 1961 John together with May Harding, Kevin Hart, Joyce Condon, Hugh Shultz, Sam Byrne and sixteen other Artists and art lovers formed The Willyama Art Society. The word “willyama” is the aboriginal meaning for “hill with broken contour” and was the original name of Broken Hill.

The first informal Art Exhibition was held in Sturt Park on May 6th was an outstanding success so a further exhibitions were held. A walk in the park was a favorite pastime in the 1960’s and shows continued until the early 1970’s. Park Shows were also hazardous, especially when well-meaning citizens insist on bringing their dogs to judge the best painting. The painting was only temporarily damaged but received favored barks from the canine community.
Meetings were initially held in the homes of members, then to various venues including the Tafe College, City Art Gallery and currently the Silver City Workingmans Club. Due to continual lack of funding a permanent home has not been found.

May Harding was the driving force behind the Art Society. Apart from being Secretary and Treasurer, May was a valued Art Teacher, Arid Zone Botanist and Publicist. Her dedication and genuine desire to inspire has paid a handsome dividend to Broken Hill.

Due to the growing number of Artists Lillian Thomas opened the Hobby Shop and access to art supplies became easier.

The Willyama Art Society had its first permanent Exhibition in 1962 at the Newmarket Hotel Lounge. Exhibitions were held continually at cafes, schools and clubs with profits being channeled back into the Community through donations to charities and the Arts. The Society regularly held workshops, garden parties, art shows and lectures.

Meanwhile talented Artists emerged into the art scene. Kevin Hart was one of these artists. After an Art Society Exhibition in 1962 Kevin, now referred to as Pro, was catapulted into the International Art Scene and is now widely known as a Sculptor, Collector and Illustrator. The Willyama Art Society voted Pro Patron and Life Member in 1978 and regard him as a valued Ambassador of Broken Hill.
By 1965 Pro and Sam Byrne had put Broken Hill well and truly on the map in the Art World. Four of the most prominent Artists as well as Pro to emerge from this outback mining town were Hugh Shultz, John Pickup, Eric Minchin and later Jack Absalom, when they joined together to form the “Brushmen of the Bush”. Eric is remembered for his valued assistance to student artists and his free services as auditor for the Society. Eric was also the co-cordinator of the first Rotary Art Show in Australia. Jack has also gained world recognition for his Artwork, books, videos and lectures.

Another Artist not to be forgotten is Charles “Hoppy” Hopgood. Hoppy was commonly recognized for his artistic, often comical depiction of the Union movement in Broken Hill. In 1967 a painting titled “Big Brother” was removed from an Exhibition “for fear of incurring the wrath of the Barrier Industrial Council of which it depicted”. The painting showed “a huge towering figure with strings on the common people, figures were dwarfed, cowered, scared and running”. The controversial painting eventually became the cover illustration for the book “Behind the Barrier” by Bob Bottom.
Left to Right: John Gregory, Joyce Condon, Ron Ford and Charles " Hoppy" Hopgood. With Painting "Storm Past" being presented to Broken Hill Gallery Collection. 1979.