The D C Turnbull South Canterbury 80th Annual Art Awards and Exhibition 2025 will open at the Aigantighe Art Gallery on Saturday.
Society spokeswoman Liz LeRoy said the society was founded in 1895, with the aim to "promote the study, practice and enjoyment of the fine arts".
The society’s annual exhibitions provided an important occasion for artists — professional and amateur alike — to display and sell their wares.
LeRoy said the society not only helped artists find a final destination for their artworks, but "as funds permitted, to establish an art library and art gallery in Timaru".
She said one of the objectives was achieved in 1956, with the move to the Aigantighe Art Gallery.
After eight decades there was something new added to the picture, a new sponsor.
LeRoy said the society was proud to announce the major sponsor for the society’s annual exhibition was D C Turnbull and Co Ltd, which was established a year before the society, in 1894.
She said the business had continued as a major player in the South Canterbury business sector since then.
Patron and life member of the art society 83-year-old Trish Loach’s artistic journey began at age 9, when her mother took the family to South Beach with paint boxes filled with leftover paint which had been given to the family by Loach’s uncle Jack who had a studio down south.
She joined the art society with a friend in her 40s.
"Initially Trish was like a mouse in the corner, as the group were mostly men and many were accomplished artists."
When approached by affluent members of society wearing fur coats — mainly men — asking "And who are you?" Loach remained undaunted.
Instead, it made her more determined to never turn anyone away from the art society.
Loach was in her 60s when she finally had time to be on the committee.
She could vividly remember helping with exhibitions.
Loach could recall the time one of prominent artist Austen Deans’ paintings was rejected, not because of the artwork, but simply because the frame and glass were not up to standard.
She was in charge of returning the works to the Gleniti art room and she was scared she would damage the precious artwork.
Her own paintings had been both chosen and rejected by selectors for exhibition, and she had come to realise even the best artists could be rejected.
She fondly remembered Deans doing demonstrations and helping others with their art; Loach had been awe inspired and continued with her art.
Loach enjoyed portraits — especially painting family members including grandchildren — and had attended many workshops and demonstrations.
She had been instrumental in getting more members to join the society.
She continued to welcome members old and new every Thursday at the Gleniti art rooms.
The group encouraged all artists to come and give it a go, with lots of encouragement and banter offered throughout the morning "interspersed with coffee and biscuits".
"On Sunday mornings you will see a small group of artists facing the elements to paint outdoors with their easels, paints, sun hats and scarves trying to capture our amazing district."
The grand opening and art preview, along with the presentation of awards, will be held this Saturday at 1pm.
The exhibition will be open to the public for viewing from Sunday to October 12.
