Trish King Hitz

My painting name is TRISH KING HITZ, and I was formerly known as PATRICIA (TRISH)

McMILLAN. This is my story.

Approximately 40+ years ago, I became involved in the Newcastle Community Arts and

Adult Education Centre (NCAC). At that time, it was in the old Teachers’ College

premises at the corner of Union Street and Parkway Avenue, Cooks Hill. There were

artist studios and other groups, such as the ‘2 to 5’theatre. Many Newcastle artists,

including myself rented studios there, and I did voluntary administrative work for the

Director. We had get-togethers on the grounds and sang around open fires with guitars. A fun memory from my young daughter was being given an old plastic skateboard from one of the artists. A couple of my daughter’s friends were heavily involved with the ‘2 to 5’ and

several of my friends from art school also had studios.

Later, the NCAC was relocated to Parry Street, Newcastle West. The Director showed

me Architect plans for an incredible renovation of the site, which never came to fruition.

However, at this new location it housed among other things, a writers’ group; Blackbox

Theatre (comprising ‘2 to 5’); a photographic dark room; and art studios. It was a hive of

creativity and events, and I became involved with the running of the Newcastle Poetry

Prize. There was a happy vibe amongst the tenants with cups of tea, shared critiques

and exhibitions.

A group of other volunteers and I were requested by the NCAC to form a committee and

create an art gallery on the premises. This committee raised over $20,000, with the help

of many local businesses. A major part of the fund raising was through the generosity of

local artists, who donated their works for an auction.

Each and all of us involved on the committee made significant contributions of time and

effort. I cannot speak in detail for the others, although I can speak to the activities

undertaken by me. I canvassed businesses for donations and gifts as well as contacted

many local artists to request art for the auction. I also coordinated and arranged the

auctioneer and their team, who did an amazing job to create a fun and exhilarating

event. It was a real hoot!

Local Architect and NCAC Board member, Brian Suters, then volunteered to draw up

plans for the gallery. This included an innovative design including a sliding wall to

section it off. The Committee was then able to set up a magnificent new gallery called Newcastle Art Space in the year 2000. We held an inaugural exhibition which included many of us who had volunteered to set up the gallery. One of the other committee members and I joined the NCAC Board of Directors, as representatives of the gallery committee. I was elected to take up the vacant role of NCAC Company Secretary.

It is wonderful to see how many members of the original gallery committee have gone

on to become well known and acclaimed Artists.