President’s Report February 2026

Denise Keele-bedford

Deemed a significant year in the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is considered a number one year, carrying the fiery energy of the Golden Horse. It symbolises ambition, courage, and forward motion, and is viewed as a year of optimism and opportunity.

For MSWPS, the year has begun with the main rooms at Ola Cohn House freshly painted and a welcome revamp of our belongings within the space.

Before looking ahead, I would like to reflect on the end of 2025 and congratulate the joint recipients of the MSWPS Peer Award, Cynthia Boyle and Anne Finkelde. The award was presented at the Annual Christmas Luncheon following a count of votes from members who selected their favourite artworks in the Annual Exhibition.

The Christmas Lunch at Ola Cohn House was well attended, new members were warmly welcomed, and the famous Kris Kringle was once again a great success.

As many of you will know, my husband Walter Magilton was suddenly admitted to hospital, never regained consciousness, and died peacefully on December 21. Thank you to everyone who sent messages and cards of condolence, and to those who attended the funeral service on an extremely hot day.

MSWPS also sends heartfelt condolences to Eileen Mackley AM on the passing of her husband, Hylton, on January 7. I thank the MSWPS members who attended his funeral and represented our society. Sadly, due to the death of my younger sister on January 19, I was unable to attend Hylton’s service.

OLA COHN HOUSE PAINTING

On December 12, MSWPS received advice from Box Hill Institute that all ground-level areas, except the storage and darkrooms, would be painted. We were asked to remove fragile objects and place them in the storeroom to prevent damage when cupboards were moved.

A team of five members worked at OCH on December 14, clearing, stacking, and storing our items. In the process, we uncovered a large collection of objects, signage, and paraphernalia, much of which was sorted and disposed of. A second team of four returned on January 31 to reinstall our belongings. When you next visit OCH, you will notice several changes that will make locating our items much easier.

Another working bee is planned to finalise the organisation of our administration stationery, archives, hospitality items, and library setup. At our first meeting with a Box Hill Institute representative in March 2025, we requested that the interior be painted, and our patience and ongoing negotiations have now produced a positive result.

LIFE DRAWING

Life Drawing sessions began on February 5. Upcoming sessions have been listed on the website events page.

 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

All members should have received Nomination and Proxy Forms, the 2025 AGM Minutes, and the Agenda for the meeting on Thursday, March 5. We encourage members to review the material and return the forms if you intend to nominate or are unable to attend. All reports will be distributed prior to the AGM.

 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

MEMBERS’ MEETING

Our first member event for the year will be held on Sunday, March 8, when members are invited to celebrate International Women’s Day with afternoon tea and camaraderie at Margaret McLoughlin’s Studio, Yarra Glen. Details are available on the website events page.

Best wishes to all members celebrating birthdays in February.

 Image: Beijing China, 11 February 2017