Notable members
On this page we recognise our current honorary and life members, as well as celebrated past members. These artists have left an indelible mark on our community, and their dedication and achievements continue to inspire and elevate the world of women's art.
Current honorary members
Dr. Juliette Peers
Joyce McGrath
Current life members
Pauline Cross (joined 1994)
Jocelyn Bell (joined 2003)
Helen Carter (joined 2001)
Carmel Mahony (joined 1990)
Celebrated past members
Alice Marion Ellen Bale (1875-1955)
Studied at National Gallery School 1895-1904, from 1917-1955 a consistent exhibitor with the Women’s Art ClubAnnie Davison Oliver (1903-1997) Painter - Treasurer 1959-1991, MSWPS Benefactor
Kath Ballard OAM (1929-2013) Watercolourist, who actively promoted appreciation of the medium in Melbourne
Judith Perrey (1927-2016) Painter - Life Member, Treasurer, Secretary & President of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters & Sculptors
Valda Cuming OAM (1929-2020) Sculptor
Jo Bennett (1940-2014) Printmaker - Past President, Life Member
Margaret Francis Ellen Baskerville (1861-1930)
SculptorClarice Beckett (1887-1935)
Participated in Women’s Art Club shows until the early 1930sLina Bryans (1909-2000)
Exhibited 1940-1965 and prominent in the 1960s, resigned 1966, rejoined 1991—. A Modernist associated with William FraterOla Cohn (1892-1964)
President of the Society from 1948 to her death in 1964Amalie Colquhoun (1894-1974)
Valeria Helen Correll (1886-1973)
Sculptor, ceramicistSybil Craig (1901-1989)
Foundation memberPeggie Crombie (1901-1984)
Janet Cumbrae-Stewart (1883-1960)
Maude Edith Victoria Fleay (1869-1965)
Women’s Art Club member and exhibitor from 1929, elected a life member in 1964Frances Margot Freeman (1895-1977)
Exhibited with the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors in 1923-26, then again in 1938, and regularly showed work in their annual exhibitions until 1971Ethel Carrick-Fox (1872-1952)
May Butler George
Joined the Melbourne Society of Women Painters and Sculptors 1913 and exhibited with it in 1923Gwendolyn Muriel Grant (1877-1968)
Polly Hurry (1883-1963)
Marguerite Henriette Mahood (1901-1989)
CeramicistMaidie McGowan (1906-1988)
Anne Montgomery (1908-1991)
Hilda Rix Nicholas (1884-1961)
Helen Elizabeth Ogilvie (1902-1992)
Esther Paterson (1892-1971)
President 1966Margaret Pestell(1894-1984)
Ada May Plante (1875-1950)
Florence Aline Rodway (1881-1971)
A foundation member of the Society of Women Painters in 1910 and a member of the exhibition committee in 1910-12Dora Serle (1875-1968)
President of the Melbourne Society of Women Painters in 1933-34 and represented them on the National Council of WomenClara Southern (1860-1940)
Constance Stokes (1903-1991)
Eveline Winifred Syme (1888-1961)
Violet Teague (1872-1951)
Jessie Constance Alicia Traill (1881-1967)
Isabel May Tweddle (1875-1945)
Joined the Women's Art Club in 1926, president 1930-31 and 1941-45Dora Wilson (1883-1946)
Are you a visual artist? Apply for membership with MSWPS today.
As a member of MSWPS you can connect with a vibrant community of women artists. Enjoy exclusive events, showcase your work, and grow in a supportive environment.