Group Information

The Wanneroo Joondalup Art Society (WJAS) is an enthusiastic group of artists, ranging in age and art experience, united in a passion for beauty, creativity and imagination.  Their mission is to help local artists develop their skills, promote and exhibit their work and to come together and share information with other artists.

WJAS was officially incorporated 23rd January 2013; this was the culmination of over 38 years of fellow artists forming a bond through their love of all mediums of painting, exhibiting and fellowship.

The History of the Group

Perth’s Northern corridor had unprecedented growth in the 1970’s and local Artists were unable to become a member of the only art group, Trigg Art Club, their Membership was capped at 60 and also boundaries were strictly adhered to.

Whitford Art Group began in 1972; they met in the Coffee Lounge at the Duncraig Leisure Centre, their membership soon expanded. They held exhibitions at local shopping centres donating their profits to Camp Quality.

In June 1974 Chris Clarkson put a notice on the board at the Duncraig Recreation Centre and in the local paper, asking for interested people to form an Art Group further north. There was an evening meeting and a committee was formed and Wanneroo Art Society was born.

In 1978 the Wanneroo Art Society held three exhibitions at Mullaloo Surf Life Saving Club. Proceeds were donated to the Surf Club. Two Exhibitions a year were held there until 1981.

Unable to form a committee, the Whitford Art Club transferred their funds to the Wanneroo Art Society, forming a combined membership of 150.

Sir Charles Court, Patron for Wanneroo Art Society opened many exhibitions, adding prestige and recognition to the society.

1991 Because of rebuilding being done to MSLC the Wanneroo Art Society moved down the road to Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club for Exhibitions and meetings – Since then, Sorrento Surf Life Saving Club has been our Exhibition venue each May and September.

With rapid suburban expansion along the northern coast, Joondalup became a major centre. In 1998, a splitting of the City of Wanneroo formed the City of Joondalup, and because the Art Society encompasses the 58 suburbs in both cities, “Joondalup” was added to the name in 2013 to properly reflect this. They are now the Wanneroo Joondalup Art Society.