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, 2428
within the MidCoast Local Government Area of NSW
When are we open?
The gallery is open 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.
Our class tutors are encouraged to open the gallery so that as well as visiting the current exhibition you can witness the works in progress. Look for the 'Open' sign on the footpath which indicates a class is on and you are welcome to visit. Visit our Classes page to see class days and times. The exception, of course, is Life Drawing where the Gallery is closed to respect the privacy of the model.
What do we offer?
The Gallery has a constant display of work in a variety of mediums and sizes 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.
A major competitive exhibition is held over the Easter school holidays with significant prize money. All works are for sale and this exhibition is open every day for its duration. Visitors are encouraged develop their art critiquing skills by voting for their preferred work.
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 air conditioned 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. Find out more about the classes and workshops on this website.
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.
Our classroom and gallery are wheelchair accessible, the front door has a dedicated drop-off area, dedicated parking spaces. We also run a regular art therapy class.
Do I have to be a good artist to join? Not at all! The society is about ensuring everyone enjoys their art journey while developing new skills in a supportive and social environment.
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 and receive these at a discounted cost.
You are invited to all our 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, payable by the 31st July each year.
There are no seniors discounts as the membership fee, and fees generally, are deliberately kept low and affordable for everyone. As a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation all funds raised from fees are directed to running the organisation for the benefit of members.
How do I join?
Pick up a membership application at our gallery at 34 Lake Street, Forster OR click here.
How we function
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 under the ABN 836 1531 4932.
Our Constitution can be viewed here.
Our history
Great Lakes Art Society Inc. was formed in 1983 by a group of amateur artists in Forster Tuncurry 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 or as required. Members update meetings are held bi- monthly or as required.
The Annual General Meeting is held in August.