Celebrating 60 Years of the Ku-ring-gai Art Society
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 AGM. It was wonderful to gather once again and celebrate a truly special milestone — the 60th Anniversary of the Ku-ring-gai Art Society.
Over six decades, KAS has continued to evolve and thrive, showing remarkable resilience, particularly through the challenges of the COVID years. The continued strength of our Society is a testament to the enthusiasm, generosity and dedication of our members and volunteers.
Working alongside such a committed Committee, supported by members in many auxiliary roles, has made KAS the vibrant and successful society it is today. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributes their time and energy.
Our Committee
Vice Presidents
- Delphine Hill once again secured the support of many retailers within St Ives Shopping Village for the 2024 Annual Awards Exhibition.
- Patrick Zhu continues to assist with hall access and AV setup for guest speakers at our General Meetings.
Secretary
Our Secretary, Jan Harrington-Johnson, has now served KAS for 19 years while also working full-time. Jan prepares agendas for Committee and General Meetings, manages correspondence and mail-outs, keeps members informed, collects newsletters from the printers, and handles countless additional tasks behind the scenes.
Minutes Secretary
Susan Smart keeps our records in order and has an exceptional knowledge of the KAS Constitution and history. Her thoughtful advice and support are always greatly appreciated.
Treasurer
Caroline Oesterheld manages KAS finances with professionalism and efficiency, while also overseeing the En Plein Air groups.
Exhibition Team
Our Exhibition Manager, Robyne Berling, together with Exhibition Assistants Suzanne Lane and Bryan Freer, curates all three KAS exhibitions each year. Their work ensures a professional and equitable experience for every exhibiting artist despite tight schedules and venue constraints.
Selection Team
Thank you to Jeanette Agnew and Diana Hallows for maintaining the high standards of artwork selection and exhibition presentation.
Social Media
Julie Debray continues to manage the KAS Facebook and Instagram pages, helping promote our artists and events to a wider audience.
Property Managers
Richard Roe and Peter Whitehead share responsibility for banner bookings, installation and removal throughout the year.
Please join me in applauding the Committee and all members serving in subcommittee and support roles. Every contribution plays an important part in the smooth running of KAS.
Website & Communications
Our website continues to grow and improve under the leadership of Bryan Freer, supported by Anne Carpenter as Assistant Web Manager. We are also pleased that Caroline Oesterheld and Peter Whitehead have completed training to assist the web team.
Thank you to all members who renewed their memberships online this year, particularly those who persevered through technical difficulties. KAS is working to make online payments smoother and more user-friendly in future.
Thanks also to:
- Louise Kenny for coordinating the newsletter
- Sadhana Desai for stepping into the Assistant Newsletter Compiler role
- Lana Leigh Lombard for her beautiful artwork used on invitations and posters
Guest Speakers & Workshops
Charmaine Philips has coordinated our guest speaker program for the past 12 years, consistently organising engaging and inspiring speakers. 2025 will be her final year in the role, and we are seeking someone to assist during the year and take over fully in 2026.
Our thanks also go to:
- Christ Haldane, Dorothy Davis and Caroline Oesterheld for their work as Guest Speaker Writers
- Prue Finlay, assisted by Nora Hosking and Diana Dean, for organising workshops and upcoming 1–2 day programs at West Lindfield Community Hall
Membership, Library & Support Roles
A special thank you to:
- Angela Ferrera, our hardworking Membership Secretary
- Kathy Smoker, who coordinates exhibition rosters with endless patience and positivity
- Nora Hosking and Dorothy Davis for managing refreshments at General Meetings
- Diana Dean, Rosemary Ombler and Sadhana Desai for managing the KAS Library
- Bill Filson and Patrick Zhu for AV setup and technical support
Exhibitions & Community Support
This Autumn Exhibition features approximately 60 artists and 175 artworks for sale. We are extremely grateful to the management of St Ives Shopping Village for their continued support in providing such a wonderful venue for our Autumn, Awards and Spring Exhibitions.
We were also delighted that The Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, Member for Bradfield, selected Chris Blackwood’s painting Smooth Edges for his annual Christmas card.
Congratulations and welcome to all our new social and exhibiting members. We look forward to getting to know you and seeing your work featured in future exhibitions.
The Importance of Volunteers
KAS remains strong because of its active and generous membership. Many art societies are struggling to remain viable, but our Society continues to flourish because members willingly contribute their time — whether helping at exhibitions, serving on committees, assisting at meetings or supporting behind the scenes.
To everyone who helps hang exhibitions, assists at artwork intake, sets up halls, packs away chairs, serves refreshments or fills roster duties: thank you. Every contribution matters.
We do, however, need more volunteers.
In 2024, our Committee members and regular volunteers carried a particularly heavy workload, especially during the Autumn and Spring Exhibitions. Many additional tasks and roster duties could have been shared more effectively with broader member support.
If you have not previously held a Committee or Sub-Committee role, please consider becoming involved. KAS is, after all, your Society.
Positions Vacant
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following roles:
Exhibition Manager Support
Assist Robyne Berling with exhibition administration and coordination. Even occasional help, such as proofreading, would be valuable.
Guest Speaker Co-ordinator
Charmaine Philips is seeking someone to assist during 2025 and take over the role in 2026. This position can be performed remotely and may suit members outside Sydney.
CASS Representative
Represent KAS within the Combined Art Societies of Sydney (CASS), connecting with more than 1,000 artists across 13 art societies throughout Greater Sydney.
If you feel you could assist in any of these roles, please get in touch.
Thank you once again to everyone who contributes to the ongoing success of the Ku-ring-gai Art Society. Together, we continue to build a strong, welcoming and creative community.
Dee Jackson
President
Ku-ring-gai Art Society
4 March 2025