Wesley College Society for the Arts
History
In 2011 we celebrate the 30th year of the Wesley College Society for the Arts, quite a milestone for a group that was established by a group of teachers keen to engage the whole Wesley community in the arts.
Over the past thirty years, thousands of students have benefitted from the activities of the Society which has presented a wide variety of artistic events including; artists in residence ranging from jazz legend Bob Sedergreen to Professor Charles Castleman (with his Stradivarius); photo journalists; playwrights and numerous painters and sculptors. It has bought major works for the Wesley College collection, funded a cutting-edge sound installation and Deborah Halpern mosaics at Glen Waverley campus, enabled every student at Chum Creek in one year to contribute to contemporary stained glass, supported an Elsternwick student-initiated project to professionally stage a play, and allowed students from each campus to participate in major international workshops when on overseas tours. Art camp guest presenters have also regularly been supported. The Society has also commissioned significant new musical works to celebrate important College events and regularly staged Wesley’s Arts in the Round.
In 2011, events such as an Art as Investment Forum, fabulous walks with Kenneth Park, the Society’s entertaining president, and a 30th Birthday Party at the Savage Club are part of the year’s offerings for members’ enjoyment.
Benefits
Benefits of membership of the Society include invitations to special arts events, and attendance at some events at a reduced price. Your membership also supports special projects such as the annual student Acquisitive Art Exhibition, Wesley on Screen (student media work at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image), and this year, a wonderful concert in the Iwaki Auditorium featuring internationally acclaimed alumni Hoang Pham (OW2002), piano and Chris Howlett (OW2002), cello, in concert and working with students from all three campuses. Funds are also allocated to each campus for artists in residence, workshops and other special opportunities beyond the usual excellent curriculum offerings.
Please click here for details of the upcoming event Great Organ Classics featuring Anthony Halliday
Membership
Membership of the Society for the Arts is open to the whole Wesley community for a very modest annual individual membership fee of $66.00. Family memberships are available for $77.00 per family.
Anyone is very welcome to attend one of the Society’s functions, and they provide a great opportunity for those interested, to find out more about the activities of the Society and to meet others who support the arts at Wesley.
A detailed Calendar of Events for 2012 and membership form is available by clicking here
To become a member, please contact Julia Skomra, Functions and Events Coordinator, julia.skomra@wesleycollege.net or by calling her on 8102 6977.
