Founding member honoured by art house

Anglesea Art House founding artist and member Jan Dick (front), with exhibition coordinator Sharyn Masson, president Jennifer O'Sullivan and vice president Marianne Glen back in 2022.

A REMEMBERED artist part of the Anglesea community has been honoured for her impact on art in the Surf Coast town.

Founding member of the Anglesea Art House and recently deceased Torquay resident, Jan Dick, was honoured at the House’s recent annual general meeting last weekend with a specially made frame featuring a commemorative plaque and one of her artworks.

Anglesea Art House president Jennifer O’Sullivan said Ms Dick’s family was in attendance at last Saturday’s AGM, as the committee paid tribute to a pivotal member of the Surf Coast’s art scene who passed away earlier this year in August.

“Without Jan’s vision and determination, we wouldn’t have the art house – so it was a no-brainer to pay homage to her in this way,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“Jan started the house with a handful of other art enthusiasts back in 1985 and was there when the venue switched location from the Community Hall to the Old Scout Hall on Cameron Road.

“Jan led the petition in keeping the Old Scout Hall alive when it was at-risk of demolition, she was a leading force within the organisation since the beginning and we’ve wanted to honour in this way for years now.”

L-R: Members of Jan Dick’s immediate family (rear) son Greg, great grandson Isaac, daughter in-law Meredith, (front) daughter in-law Myrtle, great granddaughter Jasmine, and granddaughter Melanie. Photo: SUPPLIED

The commemorative frame, given to Ms Dick’s immediate family at the AGM, features a plaque and one of Ms Dick’s pastel paintings of the Aireys Inlet Lighthouse.

Ms O’Sullivan stated moving forward the Best in Show Award at the annual Anglesea Art House Exhibition will receive the Jan Dick Award in her honour.

Ms Dick was also a major driving force in getting the House’s annual Kids Art Bash Exhibition off the ground.

“Jan played a huge role for me personally, helping me settle into the House when I first joined, and becoming more active in the local arts scene,” Ms O’Sullivan said.

“She supported me when I first moved to the Surf Coast eight years ago and when I became president five years ago, so it was an absolute privilege to have her guide me and we built a lovely friendship as a result.”

The frame is visible to gallery guests upon entry to the building at 23 Cameron Road.