ANNUAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2025

2025 was a challenging yet productive year for the Committee as we worked steadily towards completing the Operating Procedures document, establishing a dedicated debit card, and improving our administrative systems. In collaboration with Laura Coutts, we progressed the redevelopment of our website to create a manageable, self-sustaining system and successfully set up our new info@ email address to streamline communication with members.

Our Public Liability Insurance was increased to meet the requirements of our Room Hire Agreement.

A formal meeting was held with Box Hill Institute to discuss maintenance and accessibility at Ola Cohn House (OCH). Ongoing communication resulted in significant improvements, including repairs and general maintenance, installation of a new hot water system, relocation of our letterbox for easier mail access, and repainting of all interior rooms except the storeroom.

We successfully negotiated approval for a free-standing air conditioner in the Coach Studio and gained confirmation that we may access OCH on days other than Thursdays with prior notice. This flexibility allows us to better accommodate Committee Meetings, Life Drawing sessions, working bees, workshops, and member meetings when scheduling conflicts arise.

The establishment of sub-committees for the Annual Exhibition, Members’ Meetings, and Catering has strengthened our organisational structure and distributed responsibilities more effectively.

Our recent working bees were particularly productive. We established a Research Library, enabling members to gain in-house insight into both past and present members. A Lending Library has also been set up in the Stable Studio, operating on an honour system, with members recording borrow and return dates in the provided register.

The refurbishment and reorganisation of OCH has created more usable space, improved functionality, and brought order to our stored materials. We now have a clearer understanding of our assets and their location.

During this process, we uncovered a substantial supply of Juliette Peers’ More Than Just Gumtrees. Copies are available for members to purchase, and a reference copy has been placed in the Research Library for review prior to purchase. A post including a brief synopsis will be added to the website.

In 2025, we celebrated the 120th anniversary of MSWPS’s first exhibition in 1905. To mark this milestone, a mid-year bus trip to Bendigo was organised. Members visited the Bendigo Art Gallery to see the Frida Kahloexhibition and were warmly welcomed into the home of Ola Cohn’s great-nephew, Leo Bruinier, and his cousin, Shelley Cohn. They generously shared insights into Ola Cohn’s life and work, and members were invited to view the family collection of her artworks, publications, and memorabilia.

The Annual Exhibition sub-committee delivered an outstanding exhibition celebrating the Society’s 116th show. Sponsorship for a Door Prize was generously provided by Senior Art Supplies. The inaugural Encouragement Award was sponsored by Ron Smith AOM. The MSWPS Life Drawing Group presented a PowerPoint display of their work on a portable screen, which was well received.

Two workshops presented by MSWPS members attracted strong public interest. In addition, Eileen Mackley AM delivered an engaging interview discussing the refurbishment of the Victorian Artists Society building.

Congratulations to all prize recipients, including the dual winners of the MSWPS Peer Award.

Looking ahead, 2027 will mark the 125th Anniversary of the establishment of our Society, with preparations already underway to celebrate this significant milestone.

Member Meetings and Activities

Our 2025 Members’ Meetings included the Winter and Christmas luncheons, a train trip to Geelong, a bus trip to TarraWarra Museum of Art, and a visit to the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

In line with our goal of being inclusive of regional members, a Members’ Meeting was also held at McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park. It was wonderful to see strong participation from members in the Peninsula region. Lisa O’Keefe generously invited the group to lunch at her home and studio, an unexpected and much-appreciated highlight of the day.

In 2026, a train trip is planned to visit the Gippsland Art Gallery and to connect with members from the Gippsland region.

Workshops and Use of Ola Cohn House

Our Room Agreement with Box Hill Institute allows MSWPS to conduct activities at Ola Cohn House by request. In 2025, proposals were submitted for two member-led workshops — one on a Sunday afternoon and another on a Thursday evening. We plan to continue offering activities in this format, promoting them via our website, Bulletin, and email communications.

Membership

MSWPS membership continues to grow as we make a concentrated effort to promote our Society through social media and digital platforms.

In 2025, five Full Members and three Associate Members joined the Society. So far in 2026, six new Full Members have joined.

We were saddened by the passing of two long-standing members: Susan O’Brien in March and Joyce McGrath in September. A tribute exhibition for Susan was held in conjunction with our Annual Exhibition, and a tribute exhibition for Joyce McGrath is planned for 2026.

Archives and Records

Robyn Pridham, with assistance from Helen Carter, continues the important work of sorting and categorising our archives. Plans are underway to digitise these records in the foreseeable future. Robyn kindly reminds members to forward their CVs and profiles to ensure our records remain comprehensive and up to date.

Finance and Governance

Our finances remain steady, and we are always grateful to Annie Davison Oliver for her generous bequest. In December, we received a further donation of $1,200 from a foundation that had resolved to close and distribute its remaining funds. This amount will be directed towards future Encouragement Awards.

On 18 October, Beatrice, together with our accountant, confirmed that MSWPS is formally registered as a not-for-profit incorporated association.

2025 Working Committee

My sincere thanks to the 2025 Committee:

Eileen Mackley AM – Vice President

Beatrice Magalotti – Honorary Secretary, Membership Secretary, Sub-Committee

Linda McEwan – Treasurer, Sub-Committee

Leigh Rees – Bulletin Editor

Tori Duggan – Minute Secretary, Sub-Committee

Annie Finkelde – Model Rules, Sub-Committee

Louise Foletta – Sub-Committee

Marion Chapman – Catering

Jude Marganis – Catering, Sub-Committee

Jo Reitze – General Committee

Non-Committee Coordinators

Lucy Fekete – Instagram

Robyn Pridham/Helen Carter – Archives

Trish Hunt/Sylvia Isaac – Life Drawing

My sincere thanks to my committee, who worked diligently and generously in their respective roles to ensure a successful year for MSWPS.

Thank you also to the many members who stepped forward to assist during the Annual Exhibition and at our working bees. Your willingness to contribute your time and energy is greatly appreciated and strengthens our Society in so many ways.

As the Committee moves through a period of transition, with several long-standing members stepping down from their formal roles, I extend my heartfelt thanks for their dedication, input and steadfast support over many years. Importantly, they are not stepping away from MSWPS. They remain valued members of our Society and have generously offered their knowledge and guidance to the incoming Committee when called upon. Their experience and historical understanding of MSWPS are invaluable.

Finally, thank you to all members of MSWPS. Without you, the Society simply would not exist. Your participation, creativity and commitment are the foundation of everything we do.

We look forward to gathering again at Society events throughout 2026. All members are warmly encouraged to become involved and be part of the working team. Please let us know how your skills and interests might contribute to the continued growth and vitality of MSWPS as we move forward together.

Denise Keele-bedford