WASA - En Plein Air
In 2022 The West Australian Society of Arts will reintroduce the Wilgie Sketchers Club back to WASA.
The West Australian Society of Arts is the oldest art society in WA, tracing its beginnings back to 1889 when it existed as the Wilgie Sketchers Club. Wilgie being the aboriginal work for red ochre found in WA's remote Northwest.
The present society was incorporated 1896. The founding members of the Sketching Club included Lady Forrest (wife of the Premier) Margaret Hamersley, Herbert Gibbs, Henry Prinsep, George Temple-Poole and Bernard Woodward (who late became the first Director of the WA Museum and Art Gallery).
The City of South Perth Historical Society has kindly invited the Western Australian Society of Arts to host an En Plein Air competition as part of their Wattle Day Event. Wattle Day will be held on Saturday, August 31st, around Heritage House (Gallery & Cultural Centre) in South Perth. South Perth holds a special place in WASA’s history. This was where many of the founders of the Wilgie Sketching Club (later to become the West Australian Society of Arts) lived and painted.
LOCATION AND PARKING
The City of South Perth Historical Society is located at Heritage House, 111 Mill Point Rd, South Perth (opposite the Windsor Hotel). Parking is available throughout South Perth, but most require a ticket.
WHAT IS WATTLE DAY?
The first Wattle Day celebration was held on 1 September 1910. Sprigs of wattle and wattle badges were sold to raise money for wounded soldiers in the First World War. Today, Wattle Day is a celebration of the official start of the Australian Spring.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The competition is open to all artists and all mediums. You do not have to be a member of the WASA (though we would love you to be).
2. The Plein Air runs from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. This gives the judges a chance to view and vote. Don’t forget that the City of South Perth Historical Society will host activities and events during the Wattle Day celebrations.
3. All artists must pay, register, and have their paper or canvas stamped before the event. Our registry is open from 8 am to 9.30 am at Heritage House. Look for our WASA’s welcome flag.
4. The entry fee is $15 for members and $25 for non-members. We will only accept work that has a WASA stamp on the back. You can pay on the day or pay via the WASA website: www.waart.org.au
5. The first prize is $1000, 2nd prize is $300, and 3rd prize is $200.
6. Artists are encouraged to capture South Perth’s local landmarks and landscapes. WASA will provide a list of areas of note for those unfamiliar with the area.
7. Artists are required to bring their easels to display their finished work.
8. For children under 16, entry is free. Please note, that an adult must accompany all young children.
9. The winners will be announced at 2.30 pm
10. Artists must be responsible for collecting their artwork following the event.
11. The West Australian Society of Arts takes no responsibility for damaged or lost artwork.
12. No refunds will be issued to both WASA members and non-members under any circumstances.
PLEASE NOTE:
The weather conditions are unpredictable around this time of year.
Please be prepared for wind and rain