Wildlife Art Society of Australasia
| Main Focus: | wildlife art |
| State: | National |
| Region: | Melbourne Region |
| President: | Kris Peter |
| Established: | 1974 |
| Exhibitions: | Yes |
| Art Shows: | Yes |
| Tuition: | Yes |
| Workshops: | Yes |
| Art Prizes: | Yes |
| Membership Fee: | $70 per annum |
Group Information
History of WASA
WASA began in Melbourne, Victoria and is still based in Melbourne. Their members are located in Australia with a sprinkling of international members. A volunteer Council is elected by the WASA members. The Society has awarded Fellow Memberships as recognition of service and contribution to the Society or to wildlife art in Australasia.
The first exhibition was held at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne in 1974, and then traveled to Canberra.
Monthly meetings were held in various places and eventually settled at the Museum theatrette in Melbourne.
Eventually the Victorian Artists Gallery was to be used for exhibitions for many years. The selection of works for the Annual Exhibition was carried out by a Selection Committee
A strong feature of the early days of the Society was the instruction given to beginners.
WASA took great pride in celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2014.
Mission Statement
WASA aims to foster the study, practice and appreciation of wildlife art in artistic media, encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences and promote the work of its members.
The spirit and strength of the Society is in its recognition of animals and plants as worthy sources of inspiration and themes for serious art. WASA has a special interest in fostering an awareness, understanding and appreciation of Australia’s unique indigenous flora and fauna.
Committee Members
President
Kris Peter
Membership Information
Benefits of membership;
- Own members webpage with sample template provided.
- Access to the members’ area of website for entry forms, calendar of activities, meeting reports including technical information provided, information about framing, composition, different media techniques and lots more.
- Also WASA Noticeboard – closed online group where members can place works in progress or completed, for discussion with other members.
- Exhibiting members are eligible to win Artist of the Year .
- Program of demonstrations and discussions at regular Melbourne meetings. Members are encouraged to bring their artwork to meetings and distant members may send an image by email, as advice is freely given from experienced artists. All are encouraged to share experiences, ideas and achievements.
- Enter exhibitions of WASA and most Queensland Wildlife Art Society Inc exhibitions.
- Monthly e-newsletter The Warble about WASA and other events of interest.
- Paint and sketch monthly - non-tutored relaxed gathering usually at one of the Melbourne zoos, Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Museum and more.
Members meetings are held monthly February to November.
Types of membership available:
Exhibiting Member Annual fee $70 plus initial joining fee of $10.
Junior $22.50 per year.
Non-exhibiting $40 per year.
Membership forms are available from their website.
Events
Exhibitions
The Society aim to hold at least one major exhibition each year in Victoria. Every second year is the prestigious Wild Awards at which artwork entry is by selection. WASA also participates with other Art Societies at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show to stage a display and sale of artworks. Online exhibitions are another way in which artworks may be viewed.
The Society has partnered with the Queensland Wildlife Art Society Inc. and WASA members may exhibit at most of the QWASI exhibitions.
Tuition
Workshops
The Society arranges a variety of workshops throughout each year.
Regular Art Classes
WASA holds regular meetings in Melbourne at which there are demonstrations and talks about art and in particular, wildlife art. Members share knowledge, support and often wildlife-related similar interests.
Contact Details
- Email Address: wasakp@optusnet.com.au
- Phone Number: 0412104825
Address
P O Box 284,
Canterbury Vic 3126