The Society draws its membership generally from within the City of Newcastle and the City of Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, which are located about 150 km north of Sydney.
There is a membership of about 90 artists who contribute to between three and five public exhibitions per year, the majority of which are held in shopping centres for two to three weeks each.
Prizes and awards are presented at most exhibitions, one award being named after Joe Punshon, who was Secretary - Treasurer for 37 years. This award has been presented annually since 1962.
The Society publishes a newsletter every month and, to celebrate the 75th year since foundation, a book was written by member Ernie Kelly called ‘The Story of Newcastle Art Society’. A feature on Newcastle Art Society appeared in the 2008 May edition of Australian Artist.
Newcastle Art
Society 75th Anniversary exhibition held at the Front Room
Gallery, Newcastle Art School (TAFE)