About Us
Our Vision
A community place for visual art.
Our Mission
To inspire creativity and learning, share ideas and enable friendships amongst members and our wider community; to provide a platform for the promotion and appreciation of visual art.
Where are we?
34 Lake St, Forster, within the MidCoast Local Government Area of NSW
When are we open?
The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am - 4pm during summertime, 10am - 2pm during winter and open every day during our major exhibitions.
The classroom is open every weekday for regular classes and occasional weekend workshops.
What do we offer?
Exhibitions
The Gallery has a constant display of affordable and varied work by members of the Great Lakes Art Society. The bright and airy gallery has wheelchair access, a dedicated drop-off area, accessible toilets and off street parking.
When are the major exhibitions?
At various times of the year, usually coinciding with school holidays. Event details are published on www.forstergallery.org and the Forster Gallery Facebook as well as through local social media and news media.
Classes are held throughout the week in different mediums catering to different skill levels. These classes are friendly and non-competitive classes, a maximum of twelve students each session. Our enthusiastic tutors support and help develop each student's individual art journey. The space is in a dedicated learning area, well lit and comfortable with its own small kitchen available for students' use.
Workshops are held throughout the year on dedicated weekends and are conducted by local and visiting artists specialising in a range of mediums.
How do I find out more about the classes?
At the gallery or at www.forstergallery.org and the Forster Gallery Facebook https://www.facebook.com/midcoastart/
Can anyone join?
Membership of Great Lakes Art Society is open to any person over 16 years of age. Younger artists can attend classes and exhibitions provided they are attended by a supervising adult.
Can people living with a disability join in?
Yes, most certainly, as we have wheel chair accessibility, a dedicated drop-off area, disabled parking and an inclusive membership.
Do I have to be a good artist to join?
Not at all! The society is about helping people enjoy art while developing their own abilities in a supportive and social environment.
Are there any age restrictions for younger artists?
No, as long as a responsible supervising adult is available to accompany young ones when and where requested by the society.
What are the benefits of membership?
You will be supported in your art journey while developing your appreciation of art alongside like minded people in a social, friendly environment.
You will receive notification of all our activities including workshops and classes as well as social events.
You will receive a regular newsletter with details of all upcoming activities, art tips and details of local art related events.
You will have access to an extensive art library.
You will have numerous opportunities to show your work in the gallery.
What does it cost?
A new membership is $50 for the first year. All subsequent years are $45, due by 31st July each year.
Are there discounts for seniors?
No, as the membership is kept deliberately low as the vast majority of members are seniors. Our membership fee is kept affordable for everyone.
How do I join?
Join at the gallery, 34 Lake Street, Forster or click the 'JOIN US" button at the top of this page.
Who We Are
Great Lakes Art Society is an incorporated community volunteer organization and a registered charity administered by an annually elected committee. It operates from a purpose-built facility on Council managed community land.
Great Lakes Art Society Incorporated (GLAS) trades as Forster Gallery.
Our History
Great Lakes Art Society Inc. was formed in 1983 by a group of amateur artists in beautiful Forster NSW.
The group raised money to build its facility with the assistance of Great Lakes Council, now MidCoast Council, in 1999.
Meetings
Committee meetings are held monthly on the last Monday of each month.
Members update meetings are held bi- monthly or as required.
The Annual General Meeting is held in August.