Where we came from
Army Art was born from the SASR Auxiliary Art Show whose first event was held on 5th July 1971 in the Assembly Hall of Campbell Barracks.
The Auxiliary created an event that became a fixture of not only the Regiment calendar but a much-anticipated community event. For thirty-two years the team, through the exhibition, raised funds for many local charities and organisations from Koondoola Special School to the Obstetrics Unit at King Edward Memorial Hospital.
The Exhibition was recognised as building a unique camaraderie across families of unit members and, through their donations to community organisations around the locale, became a vehicle for the unit to build relationships with the wider community.
By 2005, the global climate had shifted and it became impossible for the base to continue their generous hospitality. The wider ADF family came forward and Karrakatta Community House Inc. became the umbrella under which the exhibition continued.
The committee and event became Army Art while the exhibition moved to the historic Drill Hall at Leeuwin Barracks where it continues to this day.
Where are we going?
2022 saw us expand from our exhibition to service delivery with a pilot art skills development program run at 13 Brigade at Irwin Barracks, Karrakatta. The request was to create a program that would enable any serving soldier in the Brigade to learn the basics of art practise that they can take with them through life.
Developed and delivered by committee member Michelle Saleeba, 15 places were offered and accepted.
A range of art disciplines were introduced at different levels as our clients ranged from absolutely new to making art through to some very accomplished artists. A small exhibition was held on completion of the course of participants work.
The program will continue to be reviewed to accommodate operational requirements however, 2023 will kick off with an introduction to watercolours with the hope that the Defence calendar can accommodate pastels and potentially print making later in the year.
Designed to be accessible to all levels of artist, aspiring and established, we will be working closely with 13th Brigade to ensure practicality and ongoing viability.
Don’t forget! The 48th Army Art Show will be held between Friday, 26th May to Sunday, 28th May 2023 at Leeuwin Barracks Fremantle, WA. Expressions of interest for artists are now open and close on Friday, 17th March 2023.