HISTORY OF MMAG

Mentone Mordialloc Art Group was formed in 1956

MMAG – A BRIEF HISTORY 

1953 Mentone, Victoria
In the beginning, a keen band of local artists had been gathering to share their common interest in art. There was a division in this group and those who tended towards abstraction moved on to, eventually, form the Beaumaris Art Group. Those remaining were more inclined towards realism.

Thus, in 1954, the realist artists, who had been meeting in their private homes found the old timber Sunday School Hall at St. Augustine’s Church in Como Parade, Mentone and began to gather there. They became known as the Mentone Mordialloc Art Group (MMAG). The hall was quickly outgrown.

March 2nd 1956 The Inaugural Meeting
Introductory comments on the aim of the proposed art group were given by first President, Benjamin Challen (local dentist), paying particular tribute to Mr. Thorold’s gesture in offering the use of rooms and facilities at Mentone Grammar School.
The Group’s objective was:
“To promote the teaching, consideration and discussion of all questions affecting art and to
provide the promotion of social intercourse among the members and their friends”.
The aim was to keep fees as low as possible with no intention to make any profit.

1956 November 
The first exhibition was held.

1957
The Group hosted the Deputy Consul of China and his entourage at Mentone Lodge. The Chinese guests brought art films demonstrating their traditional watercolour techniques.

1969, February
New constitution adopted.

Early 1970’s
Ben Challen died after 11 years as President
The Group began the long process of finding its own “home”.

1975. A New Beginning
The old agricultural building in Granary Lane, Mentone was purchased by the City of Mordialloc and converted by members into the “Hay and Grain Studio”.

1976. The Golden Jubilee Year
Members attended the unveiling of the Beaumaris cliff top monument identifying the site where, in 1886, Roberts and McCubbin met Streeton.

1993.
Students of St Bede’s College painted a colourful mural on the exterior wall of the studio.

2000. A New Century
Membership numbers 360. 15 classes running
200 students in those classes.

2009 – 2015. A Period of Uncertainty
The old studio building was condemned and the Group would have to move. A roller-coaster ride ensued until finally new premises were built.

2016
Council project managers consulted with the Art Group Committee to design a purpose-built studio within the new Mentone Activity Hub.

2017, May
A handful of MMAG volunteers spent countless hours sorting, packing, relocating and setting up the new studio which was funded by the City of Kingston Council with a significant financial contribution from the Mentone Mordialloc Art Group.

Term 2 classes commenced in the brand new studio.
© Pamela Cooper

Extracted from
“ART IN MENTONE – A Local Tradition” published 2017. Commissioned by MMAG.
This full colour, illustrated history of the Mentone Mordialloc Art Group is available for purchase from the studio for $20.00.

Contact Us if you would like to purchase a copy. All proceeds from the sale go to the Art Group.