About

We practice in the fine & applied arts in South Canterbury.

We welcome all people interested in art, from total beginners through to experienced working artists, or even those who are purely “art lovers” – interested in exploring and learning about various art forms. We hold regular exhibitions of artist members’ work, as well as our annual sponsored exhibition, which is open to artists further afield. All our exhibitions are open for public viewing.


We also receive news, ideas and entry forms for exhibitions from associated art societies throughout New Zealand. Art contributions to the Art Society are extremely welcome and encouraged. This is your Art Society.

History of the SCAS

  • Founded
    1895
    Founded in 1895, the aims of the art society were ” to promote the study, practice and enjoyment of the fine arts, to assist artists to dispose of their works and as funds permit, to establish an art library and art gallery in Timaru”. At a time when many of our public galleries existed only in the dreams of culturally ambitious citizens and dealer galleries had not yet emerged, the Annual Art Society exhibitions provided an important occasion for artists, professional and amateur alike to display and sell their wares.
  • Aigantighe Art Gallery
    1956
    In 1956, with the move to the newly refurbished Aigantighe Art Gallery gifted by Mr J W Grant, one of the objectives of the art society more than 50 years earlier was finally achieved.
  • Celebration
    2016
    In 2016 the Aigantighe Gallery celebrated their ruby anniversary (60 years) and the South Canterbury Art Society was proud to stand beside the gallery and acknowledge the generous donations of many prominent works of art gifted by the South Canterbury Art Society.

Every year we host the prestigious Alpine Energy Art Awards at the Aigantighe Gallery.

Sponsors

Supplied by SPF Websites