Queensland Art Gallery Annual Report 1994-95

QUEENSLAND ART GALLERY SOCIETY In this Gallery centenary year, one of the most significant achievements of the Society will be its birthday gift to the Gallery of the life-size bronze casting of the biblical figure of Susannah by Daphne Mayo. The bronze also honours Daphne Mayo's long association with the Gallery and her contribution to the development of art in Queensland as a sculptor, painter and advocate of the arts . Since the establishment of the Society in 1951 more than 150 works have been given to the Gallery by the Society. The Society was generously supported once again this year by Perpetual Trustees Queensland Limited, with a donation of $15 000. The Society wishes to thank Perpetual Trustees for their continued financial support. During the year, the Society has continued its role of supporting the activities and program of the Gallery and offering the general public an opportunity to become more involved in their outstanding art museum. The Society's aim is to make available to members a broad range of both social and learning experiences. Some of these events include the annual Gertrude Langer lecture, given in 1994 by Mary Eagle, author and Senior Curator of Australian Art at the National Gallery of Australia. Mary Eagle spoke on Ian Fairweather as a complement to the Fairweather retrospective curated by the Gallery. The Queensland Day luncheon address was given by prominent Brisbane identity and Gallery Society supporter Verlie Just, OAM. During the year, members and guests visited the studio of two of Queensland's most respected sculptors, Kathleen and Leonard Shillam, and tours to regional galleries continued to be 'sold out' events. Informative and entertaining talks by Gallery staff and guest speakers at the Society's luncheons continued to be popular, as were coffee mornings in the Society rooms, followed by an art film. Visits to private galleries, with guest speakers, and to Tattersall's Club were organised. Cocktail parties were held to celebrate the exhibitions ' Renoir .. .' and 'Matisse'. A cocktail party at the restored Customs House was the first function held there following the building's restoration and was a major fundraiser for the Society. The Young Members group has continued to offer interesting activities as well as supporting the program of the Society in general. Mrs Margaret Spilsbury continued as President of the Society until her resignation on IS May 1995. Mrs Spilsbury has had a long association with the Society, serving as President for nearly four years, Honorary Secretary for two years, and being involved in the formation of the Young Members group. Following her resignation, Mrs Carol Edwards, as Vice President, assumed the role of Acting President. With the population increase in south-east Queensland, current government support for arts activities and enthusiastic community response to major exhibitions, the Society is now looking to offer a wider range of activities and to broaden and significantly increase its membership.