Victorian Artists Society

A Heritage Gallery at the Heart of Melbourne's Art Community

The Victorian Artists Society started in 1870 when impressionist painters needed a place to meet and work together in Melbourne. It's now based in East Melbourne and has become a pretty significant part of the city's art scene. The gallery shows contemporary work and attracts a real mix of serious artists alongside people who just like good art. After more than 150 years, VAS is still going strong as a fixture in Melbourne's visual arts community.

These days, VAS works as a space for both artists and art collectors or enthusiasts. You've got members at all levels, from people starting out to established and award-winning practitioners. Because they take that inclusive approach, the gallery ends up showing emerging work right alongside pieces from more experienced artists. It's the kind of place where people at different points in their artistic careers can actually show their work and connect with others.

Fresh Shows Every Fortnight

VAS puts on over 50 exhibitions a year across five gallery spaces, with new work rotating through every couple of weeks. That steady turnover means if you visit again, you'll see something different. The galleries cover the full range: contemporary and abstract pieces, figurative work, landscapes, seascapes, portraits, still lifes, realist and impressionist painting. It reflects both the artists showing here and the people who come through.

Recent shows have included solo exhibitions like Ian Armstrong's 'Familial Lines', Fiona Bilbrough's 'Trompe l'oeil', and Sarah Ackland's 'Journey with the Pencil', plus group shows such as 'Shared Ground' and 'The Boite Presents Passages'. There's something here for abstract lovers, figurative painting fans, or anyone keen on landscapes. Victorian Artists Society, East Melbourne, VIC 3002.

Art Sales, Classes, and Getting Involved

The Victorian Artists Society does more than hang paintings on walls. They run an active sales program so you can buy directly from the artists showing work there. If you're keen to develop your own skills, they offer classes and workshops in different mediums at their East Melbourne studios.

You can get as involved as you like. The society's set up so there's a way in for everyone, no matter how serious you are about art.

Visiting VAS: Location, Hours, and Free Entry

The Victorian Artists Society is in East Melbourne, VIC 3002. You can walk in any weekday from 10am to 4pm, or on weekends from 11am to 4pm. The best part is there's no entry fee, so you can just turn up and have a look at what they've got on.

They're happy to host group visits and take enquiries about classes, exhibitions, and space hire. Art collectors, practising artists after some inspiration, or casual browsers all find something worth their time.