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An independent, non-profit co-operative funded and administered by the members.

The history of EHAG dates directly back to an 1984 art class run by the Port ‘n South Living and Learning Centre - an initiative of the local Baptist Church In 2000, the class members decided to become a self-organised entity under the title Emerald Hill Art Group.

Aims - To take art seriously and to have fun and enjoy the experience.

  • To make attendance a priority in the interests of group morale & as a courtesy to the tutor.

  • To encourage and support one other in our artistic endeavours.

  • To broaden our horizons by attending exhibitions & lectures & sharing information with the group.

  • To encourage each member to develop an individual style.

  • To maintain a ‘mixed’ group of both male and female members

  • To hold an annual exhibition and to seek other exhibition opportunities.

Administration - Members are entirely responsible for the group, which functions as a co-operative.

  • There is no formal committee but volunteers carry out specific duties.

  • All members are expected to share in the running of the group and the work involved.

  • Occasional meetings are held as administrative needs arise.

Sol Green Centre – A City of Port Phillip community centre, available from 9am -1pm on Wednesdays.


EHAG, classified as a “non-profit group aged over 55 years”, is not required to pay rent but evidence of a current insurance policy must be presented when the annual lease is renewed.

  • The group has 2 keys to the centre which are held by the 2 members responsible security.

  • Problems associated with the Centre must be reported to the Council.

Membership – The group accepts members ranging from the educated & experienced in art to beginners.

  • The number of members is restricted to18, because space is limited & to allow individual tuition time.

  • In order to maintain a minimum of 4 men members, priority may be given to male applicants.

  • The list of members’ contact details is updated regularly and circulated to the group together with lists of significant dates and of the current volunteers for particular tasks.

  • Emergency contact details are obtained on enrolment & a record is kept in the locked sink cupboard.

  • A waiting list is kept for applicants for whom there is no vacancy.

  • Places may not be reserved except by the payment of fees by a current member planning a term’s absence.

Fees - The sole source of income is members’ fees which are set at the minimum to cover the tutor’s salary, public liability insurance, incidental expenses and some of the costs associated with exhibiting.

  • No concessions are available & no reductions can be made for absences.

  • No casuals are accepted.

  • Fees for the forthcoming term are payable in full before the end of the preceding term.

  • A place is not confirmed until fees are paid & it may be re-allocated if the reminder notice is not heeded.

Website - The EHAG website gives information about the group, its members, their activities and achievements. A gallery of works and news of exhibitions are also featured.

Tutor - The group engages as tutor a practising artist who is flexible and prepared to assist members at all stages of artistic development

  • There is no contract of employment but it is usual for the group to seek a new tutor every 2 years

  • The tutor is paid weekly, or by a mutually agreeable arrangement.

  • The group’s insurance policy covers the tutor while involved in group activities

Thursdays - The group meets on Thursday mornings in terms of 10 or 11 weeks, generally following Victorian school terms.

  • Each member works with the materials and on the subjects of choice.

  • The tutor acts as a mentor discussing work, helping to problem-solve and giving technical advice.

  • The tutor is asked to encourage each member to develop an individual style.

  • Members are also encouraged to circulate and share ideas.

  • The tutor may begin with a short ‘talk’ or demonstration and ‘Show and Tell’ may be held.

  • Occasional group activities include plein-air, still life, portrait from the model & gallery visits

  • The tutor is asked to play an active part in advising and assisting with all aspects of exhibiting

Exhibitions - The group aims to hold at least one exhibition a year.

  • All members are expected to exhibit and share in the work involved.

  • Members are encouraged to enter other ‘outside’ exhibitions

  • Information about exhibition opportunities is collated and circulated to members.

Morning Tea - There is no formal break during the session but tea & coffee are always available.

  • A roster is drawn up for the weekly supply of milk and biscuits/cake etc.

  • This duty includes washing up.

Setting Up & Packing Away – All members are responsible for setting up & packing away the room.

  • Members should arrive no later than 9.20, to be set up and ready to start promptly at 9.30.

  • The room must be vacated by 1pm. .

Materials - Easels & drawing boards are available but members provide all their own materials.

  • The Council requests that triangular easels are hung on the hooks provided and that everything is stored compactly to allow free access to cupboards in the storeroom.

  • The Council does not permit noxious substances, e.g. turps, to be used in the Centre.

Parking - Parking restrictions apply around the Centre.

  • The Council supplies 20 free parking permits, valid Thursdays 9am - 2pm.

  • The Council will not replace lost permits.

  • Permits are renewed annually.

  • Permits remain the property of the group and must be returned if a member leaves.

Risk Management - A Risk Management Plan is drawn up to avoid/minimize risk to members, tutors & visitors.

  • All members are familiarized with the plan which is reviewed regularly.

  • All members are responsible for ensuring that their belongings do not create a hazard.

Membership Enquiries - Email jo.monie@bigpond.net.au