Montsalvat is proud to be one of six chosen organisations for the Victorian Women’s Public Art Program. As part of this program, the Women of Montsalvat project aims to uncover the untold stories of the women who contributed to the construction, arts practice, and culture of our unique artist community. The stories we uncover will ultimately contribute to the creation of a sculpture to sit at the entrance of Montsalvat in celebration of our founding women artists.

Montsalvat is the oldest continuous artistic colony in Australia. It was established in 1934; a time when the Australian arts community was dominated by men. Defying the cultural expectations of their day, it was women artists who were instrumental in purchasing the land Montsalvat is built on, participating in erecting the buildings, and establishing a more inclusive artistic community.

What do we know about the founding women artists who lived and worked at Montsalvat in the 1930s to the 1950s?

They were painters, builders, jewellers, ceramicists, weavers, singers, stone carvers, printmakers, photographers, writers, models, cooks, entrepreneurs. Above all, they were women who looked for a way to live creatively on their own terms, in a time that made such a choice nearly impossible.

Over the next few weeks, sculpture designer Amanda Grant and researcher Sarah Hammond will be concluding their historical research into the lives and works of these women. The sculpture will be designed and built in the second half of 2025 and launched in February 2026. Singer/songwriter Cath Rutten will be composing music based on the lives of the women of Montsalvat and will perform at the sculpture launch in February.

Women of Montsalvat – Studio Restoration

As part of the Women of Montsalvat project, Amanda Grant and Cath Rutten are restoring the Sculpture Studio, the very space where the sculptural work at the heart of this project will be created.

The Sculpture Studio and its adjoining storage room, both mudbrick buildings, are in need of some care. Drawing on traditional methods documented by Sonia Skipper who, alongside many of the women of Montsalvat, played a vital role in constructing Montsalvat’s buildings and embellishments, Amanda and Cath will be bringing these spaces back to life.

Their process includes brushing away loose particles, carefully patching holes and cracks with mud and render, and finishing with Sonia Skipper’s traditional limewash recipe.

The final step, limewashing, will take place during Montsalvat’s Spring Gathering on September 28th. Join us to witness this living demonstration of mudbrick restoration, carried out in the spirit of the extraordinary women who shaped Montsalvat.

Sunday 28th September 2pm – Spring Sing! @ Montsalvat
Come to Montsalvat’s Spring Gathering and take part in a group singing circle – enjoy learning a couple of tunes – no experience needed just bring yourself and enjoy the open studios and art workshops

Story Gathering

We are seeking information from people who knew or have a connection to the women who were fundamental to the founding and development of Montsalvat, predominantly between 1934 and 1960.

Information may be in the form of historical facts, family stories, anecdotes or memories, photographs, art works, jewellery, mementos, newspaper clippings, documents or journals. Of interest is anything that might give an insight into the quirks, personalities and creative works of the women of Montsalvat. Tall tales and stories of questionable historical truth that might illustrate their unique characters are welcome.

The women we are learning about so far include: Lily Jörgensen, Lena Skipper, Helen Skipper, Sonia Skipper, Sue Vanderkelen, Helen (Nell) Lempriere, Lesley Sinclair, Myra Skipper, Betty Roland, Heather George and Vida Joy Turner.

It is highly likely that there are other significant women in the history of Montsalvat. Any information about women we are not yet aware of would be welcomed.

If you have a lot of material to share, or do not wish to share your material via the form above, Sarah and Amanda would love to hear from you. Please email them at womenofmontsalvat@gmail.com to organise a private meeting in person, online or by phone.

TELL YOUR STORY

About Butterfly Studio

Butterfly Studio are designing and running Montsalvat’s consultation sessions. Butterfly Studio was created to address the far-reaching effects of the Black Saturday bushfires of 2009 on the community of Christmas Hills and its neighbours. The Studio’s role continues today, both in a community engagement capacity, and as a thriving community art studio.

Butterfly Studio’s all-women consultancy team is comprised of community and cultural development experts, professional artists, community art project managers, practicing art therapists and professional writers and editors.

Butterfly Studio creates environments where discussion can be open and honest and where imagination is sparked and nurtured. Their events are always designed to include an arts activity or creative experience for participants.

About Singing Herspace

Cath Rutten, who will be performing at the in-person consultations, is a multi-disciplinary artist, singer/songwriter and educator based in North Warrandyte. In the past several years she has focussed her song writing on telling the invisible stories of women in our history through her project Singing Herspace. Over the course of this year, Cath will be using the women of Montsalvat research as inspiration for a new musical composition to be performed at Montsalvat in 2026.

The Victorian Women’s Public Art Program is funded by the Victorian Government’s Community Support Fund and run in partnership with McClelland Sculpture Park + Gallery. McClelland supports contemporary artists to develop, create and present their work, and manages a range of programs to commission artwork. The Victorian Women’s Public Art Program aims to address the issue of women being systematically underrepresented in public life, with their achievements and contributions historically overlooked.

Montsalvat would like to thank The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Women, the Victorian State Government and McClelland Gallery for this opportunity.

Victorian Women’s Public Art Program | vic.gov.au