The Woolgoolga Art Group is a vibrant artistic community committed to encouraging and promoting art and crafts for adults and children.
Gallery Spaces
We have two gallery spaces to showcase members’ works. Exhibitions featuring the work of individual artists or small groups are held in our Bicentennial Wing each month. The Main Gallery displays a constantly changing array of art and craft from our broader membership.
Studio spaces
We are also fortunate to have two dedicated studio spaces – one devoted to ceramics, including wheels and a kiln, the other hosts a variety of activities included classes (across 4 terms across the year, workshops on weekends and weekdays over the holiday periods and social get togethers throughout the year.
How We Began…
On 8 October 1972, ten people who had been painting with artist and tutor Marion Strong held a meeting after class at the Woolgoolga Lake and formed the Woolgoolga Art Group. The group painted and exhibited in a variety of premises. WAG (as the group is affectionately known) commenced fund raising to secure a permanent home and in 1980, after raising $10,000 itself, the NSW State Government granted a further $10,000 and the Coffs Harbour City Council matched the amount ‘dollar for dollar’ and Michael Chart commenced building on the open space land on Ashton’s Flat. Members did as much work as possible.
In 1980 the gallery was officially opened by the local member, Matt Singleton. In 1985 a pottery and kiln room was added.
In 1987, with the help of Councillor Marnie Yeates, WAG applied for a bi-centennial grant and with its own additional funds and the help of TAFE students, built the Bi-Centennial wing which was officially opened in 1988 by Member for Page, Ian Robinson.
By 1993 WAG had raised enough funds to add the workroom for classes.
The Group continues to grow in membership and constantly works to improve the facilities, for our members and our community.