By Fiona McIntosh, with Shirley Dougan and Marian Lowe

History and Vision

The Ferntree Gully Arts Society began in 1944 through the vision of local potter Allan Lowe and his wife Peg. The Lowes were passionate supporters of the arts, and as well as visual art, appreciated acting, music and dance.

As many performances took place in the city, a long way from the Dandenong foothills, the Lowes hosted parties and concerts for city-based performers. With so many events taking place, the Society needed a central venue to support and showcase creatives, and so The Hut was born. The first exhibition which was held in 1944 in the Shire Hall, was to ‘raise funds for the local Red Cross to aid fighting men.’

The Hut had its humble beginnings as an army hut from Bacchus Marsh. In 1947, the Society had decided to purchase the modestly sized hut (60×18 feet) for a sum of £130. To relocate the hut to its present site at Underwood Road, took several days, an extra £186, and had to be transported in two parts. Members of the Society all worked tirelessly in fitting and furnishing the building for use as a gallery and events space. This was all done voluntarily with a few extra helpers and generous donors.

The Hut was the original home of The Latimer Players, who became The Hut Repertory Players. The Hut Players later relocated to Lysterfield and are now in Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully, where they are still performing as the 1812 Theatre.

As film gradually superseded the popularity of theatre, The Ferntree Gully Film Society was created in 1956. Like The Hut Players, this group was originally based at The Hut. The 1960s and 1970s were known as the golden years of the Film Society, with audiences keen for both foreign films and cerebral art house films. In recent years, the Film Society had to relocate to Europa Cinema as The Hut was too small a venue for screening 35mm films. Even so, the Film Society is still a part of the Ferntree Gully Arts Society to this day.

Over time, the Society, with the support of Knox City Council and others, has continued to extend and improve The Hut so it can continue to be a venue for creatives. The gallery now has two exhibition spaces, complete with a professional lighting and hanging system, ensuring the high quality delivery of exhibitions. There is also a studio and sculpture garden, which are available for the use of members and non-members.

Current Programming

The Society continues to host a variety of programs for members and the general public. These programs include a range of workshops and exhibitions. The Society run workshops in painting, life drawing, print-making and portraiture, which are held weekly at The Hut. There are also artist’s activities and demonstrations as well as social events, providing opportunities for artists of any level to hone their skills and meet like-minded creatives.

Members have the opportunity to display their works in monthly exhibitions and can compete for prizes in any medium.

More recently, the Society has focused on encouraging young artists through highly successful exhibitions such as Young@Art and Street Art on Canvas. The Bendigo Bank has played a large role in supporting prizes for the youth awards as well as displaying the winner of the monthly ‘Hangers’ Award’ at their branch premises in the Ferntree Gully Village.

Weekly and school holiday art classes have been running at The Hut since 2016, and are very popular.

The Knox City Council has also been integral to the Society in providing support through grants over the years. This has enabled the Society to purchase much needed gallery equipment such as a safety ladder and plinths, to a website that audiences local and beyond can access to learn more about the Society and consequently, visit The Hut. Knox City Council has also assisted in providing funding for the 2022 Ferntree Gully Village Art Trail, featuring works by members of the Society.

The Society continues to follow through with the vision of Allan and Peg Lowe as stated in our Constitution, that the purpose of the association is to further the pursuit and appreciation of all the Arts by being a place of encouragement and appreciation for members and visitors alike.

Fiona McIntosh