In 1972 Joyce Condon opened the first commercial Art Gallery in Broken Hill, the J.C. Gallery. Joyce, an active founding member has contributed greatly to the Arts in Broken Hill, not only as an Art teacher, President and Vice-President, but also on Council for the Arts and the Arts Advisory Committees. The Willyama Art Society not only forwarded donations to over 30 charities but also purchased 19 Artworks for the City Art Collection and sponsored students to attend Art Instruction out of Broken Hill. One such student was Geoff DeMain. The input he gained from his Arts Council Scholarship in Sydney was “the turning point to him following a career in Art". Geoff is now an accomplished Artist, Sculptor and Art teacher. In 1973 the Art Society changed it’s name to “The Willyama Art Society of Broken Hill” and in 1976 the Civic Centre opened allowing the opportunity to have the City’s growing Art Collection to be housed in one position and the access to a prestigious exhibition venue. The Society prospered. However by 1979 “the development of a relatively well funded Regional Gallery sowed the seeds of the diminuation of the Art Society”. Exhibition charges “deprived the Society of the necessary income to carry out its aims and objectives”. Fostering creativity, community involvement, and ongoing enthusiasm has never faltered with the Art Society alive and actively nurturing “up and coming” Artists. Myrtle Eddy will always be remembered for her contribution to the Arts. Myrtle was the Society’s longest serving secretary and her generosity is recognized with the funding from her estate for the Willyama Art Society Honors Plaque and yearly Art Award. The number of Artworks from past and present members of The Willyama Art Society of Broken Hill that are now part of the Broken Hill City Art Collection is tremendous. Apart from several Art Shows during the year, artworks can be viewed at the Broken Hill City Library and the Silver City Workingmans Club on a permanent basis. In addition to previous Life Members Pro Hart, Sergio Cattonar and Edith “Kay” Keach, certificates were presented to Hugh Shultz, Corn Vanderburg, Charles Hopgood, Joyce Condon, Marie Aitkin, Molly Molloy, Kath Hart, Myrtle Eddy and John Gregory. Certificates of Effort and Support were presented to Patrons Jeff Lithgow and Les Willis. A special certificate was presented to Peter Black for Friendship and Support. Long and Active Membership Awards are presented to those who have been members for 10 years. The Committee members at present are President Bob Groves, Secretary Amanda Johnson, Treasurer Robyn Mitchell, Publicity Officer Deirdre Edwards and Public Officer Collin Warren. John Lindsay Gregory, the only current active founding member has seen and been involved in the growth of an Industry that has placed Broken Hill into Art History. From the humble beginnings in Sturt Park, 16yrs as President, to the expanding Art Scene of today John and all those who have been a part, no matter how small, of The Willyama Art Society of Broken Hill can truly be proud to have contributed to the “Backbone of Art in Broken Hill”. A summary of The Backbone of Art in Broken Hill; Written and compiled by Deirdre Edwards.34 William Lane Broken Hill.Ph:08 8088 3913 |
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| Left to Right: Mytle Eddy, Joyce Condon, Hugh Shulz, Kath Hart, Charles " Hoppy" Hopgood. Pro Hart, Les Willis, John Lindsay Gregory. Received their Life Member Certificates July 19th 1991 |
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