[1] Two young artists, Louisa Swan, a landscape painter and enamellist, and Maria Evans, founded the Society as the Tasmanian Art Association.
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.
[2] Historical council members have included Mildred Lovett and Violet Vimpany.
[citation needed] In its early years, exhibitions were held in locations including the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Hobart GPO, town hall and arbitrary locations such as the Lord Mayor's Court Room, department stores, and a Masonic Hall.