History

The Australian Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) was officially formed and incorporated in Sydney, New South Wales on 5 December 1996.

The Society’s Mission Statement as set out in the Constitution is “To support the interest of members by promoting maritime art in Australia.  In doing so the Society will provide a forum for all those interested in maritime affairs: artists, sculptors, model-makers, historians, students, lay-persons and other maritime organizations, to co-operate in recording Australia’s maritime history past and present.”

The idea of forming the Society came from Mr Robert Carter OBE during a business trip to the USA in 1975.  During that time Robert visited Mystic Seaport and it was where he subsequently began to exhibit his paintings.  Being aware of the American Society of Marine Artists, Robert sought membership but was denied as he was not a US citizen. Some years later while exhibiting back in Australia, he met Mr Dean Claflin who had established a gallery dedicated to marine art.  It was through this meeting that the two later discussed the possibility of forming a maritime art society.

The first meeting of interested artists took place on 6 June 1996 and was attended by 14 artists.  It was agreed at this meeting to establish the Society, with Mr Dennis Adams, mariner, painter, sculptor and official Australian World War 2 artist being appointed as the first President. A further 12 artists joined, forming the 26 Foundation Members.

Today ASMA’s membership boasts over 120 artists from various fields, and exhibitions have been held in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania. In retrospect it can truly be said that from humble beginnings, it is today an established and significant presence in the promotion of both traditional and contemporary Australian Marine and Maritime Art. 

Founding Members

Dennis Adams - Warwick Adams - Brian Baigent - Don Braben - Oswald Brett - Robert Carter - Dean Claflin - Tony Crago - Joseph Frost - John Gunter - David Hagen - Ian Hansen - Penelope Hillam - Richard Linton - Karl Marquardt - Eric McGraffin - Derek Morgan - Jasper Rasmussen - Roman Rodburgh - Lance Ross - Norman Sanders - Peter Sinclair - Darce Smyth - Vera Taylor - Bill Thomas - Warwick Webb - David Wenban - Gary Winter - John Woodland