From the beginning, students were encouraged to show their work at Society exhibitions, and special prizes were offered for members of the School.
The school moved into a larger hall at the Institute previously reserved as exhibition space, and the small schoolroom handed over to F. G. Waterhouse, curator of the Museum.
In February 1893 Elizabeth Armstrong (artist) was appointed as Painting Mistress to replace Tannert's teaching duties and she remained at the school until 1929.
When during the 'flu epidemic of 1919 that building was turned into a nursing hospital and quarantine station, the school moved to the old Destitute Asylum on Kintore Avenue.
J. Christie Wright was appointed his replacement, commencing in February 1916, and set about reorganising it as the South Australian School of Arts and Crafts.
He enlisted with the First AIF on 13 April 1916, with the assurance of being re-hired on his safe return, and his responsibilities were shared by C. J. Pavia, who handled administrative duties and Geometrical Drawing and Fred C. Britton in charge of all other subjects.