Two young artists, Louisa Swan, a landscape painter and enamellist, and Maria Evans, founded the Society as the Tasmanian Art Association. Swan served as the society's first Treasurer and Evans its first Secretary, with
Sir James Agnew its founding President, serving for seventeen years. The Society gained impressive early membership, which included renowned Australian artists including
William Piguenit,
Arthur Streeton and
Gother Victor Fyers Mann. The society's events attracted interstate talent including
Julian Ashton,
Tom Roberts,
Frederick McCubbin and
Blamire Young. Through Swan and Evans' dedication, the society gained notoriety in the Australian arts world through its annual exhibitions of paintings, drawings, sculptures and wood carvings, showcasing Tasmanian artists including
Lucien Dechaineux,
Curzona Allport,
Florence Aline Rodway,
Edith Holmes and
Dorothy Stoner. Historical council members have included
Mildred Lovett and
Violet Vimpany. In its early years, exhibitions were held in locations including the
Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery, the
Hobart GPO,
town hall and arbitrary locations such as the
Lord Mayor's Court Room, department stores, and a Masonic Hall. The society has operated from the
Lady Franklin Gallery since 1949. ==Legacy==