President’s Report September 2025
Denise Keele-bedford
2025 has certainly become a celebratory year. Within and beyond our society, this year honours women and women artists on many levels.
As you know, our society is marking the 120th anniversary of our first exhibition, while the Women’s Art Register (WAR) celebrates its 50th anniversary with a rich program of activities. Our Annual Bus Trip to Tarrawarra on 31 October will be shared with WAR, and registrations are open via our events page on the website
Over the last month I have been fortunate to attend two other celebrations.
On Tuesday 12 August, several MSWPS members joined the launch of ‘Valda the Eclectic Artist’. Our society’s annual sculpture award is named in honour of Valda Cuming OAM, who was a member for 25 years until her passing in 2020. Her husband Lindsay and family edited the publication, with all sales proceeds going to the Epworth Hospital, where Valda and Lindsay were long-time patrons. A copy is now available in the MSWPS Library and can be accessed by members on request.
On Tuesday 26 August, I spent a wonderful day at the Art Gallery of South Australia (AGSA), where Dangerously Modern: Australian Women Artists in Europe 1890–1940 has been running since 24 May. “The exhibition coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of International Women’s Year and explores the art and lives of fifty women who defied societal expectations to pursue international careers” [extract from Introduction].
Three sculptures by Ola Cohn are included, with the Cohn family assisting curators and attending the opening.
You can read a thoughtful review of the exhibition, including insights into other featured MSWPS members, on the AGSA website.
In conjunction with our Annual Exhibition at VAS, our archivist Robyn Pridham is curating a special display on MSWPS and its members at the East Melbourne Library, 122 George Street, East Melbourne, from 1 – 31 October. Please check viewing hours here:
https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/library-locations-and-opening-hours#librarybranches
The display will feature works by Ola Cohn, Valda Cuming OAM, and Suzanne Kaldor.
By the time you read this report, entries for the Annual Exhibition (closing Sunday 7 September) will have finished. We look forward to a vibrant display of members’ skills across both 2D and 3D works. The Opening will be held on Thursday 25 September, with further events scheduled for 28 September, 1 October, and 4 October. Please register to attend these events through the website.
Look out for the digital invitation in your inbox, and please share it with your networks.
Finally, to all members celebrating this month – Happy September Birthday!
