The Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery Society was founded on May 7, 1957. They were dissolved on July 16, 1975. Mandate: The goals of the Art Gallery Society were to create a wider interest in visual arts in the community; to sponsor special projects and to encourage artists; to increase the membership of the Art Gallery Society and to establish a trust fund for the purchase of works of art. Predecessor and successor bodies: The Friends of the Mackenzie was formed October 4, 1982. Administrative relationships: The Art Gallery Society functioned independently of the Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery. Administrative structures: The main committee under the Art Gallery Society was the Travelling Arts Committee. Names of the corporate bodies: The Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery Society did not change it's name although it is commonly referred to as the Art Gallery Society. After it dissolved Friends of the Mackenzie was formed. Names of the chief officers: The first president of the Art Gallery Society was Hero Bernend Struivig De Groot in 1957 and the last president was Bob Mitchell in 1975. Presidents were elected annually at the annual general meetings.