The Beaumaris Art Group (BAG) was established in 1953, when Beaumaris still retained its village character, by a small circle of local artists including painter Inez Hutchinson (1890–1970), sculptor Joan Macrae (1918–2017), and ceramicist Betty Jennings. Their inaugural exhibition that year led to the formation of a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting visual arts in the community.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, BAG members regularly exhibited their work at Beaumaris State School. In 1961, a notable exhibition featuring five women artists—June Stephenson, Sue McDougall, Grace Somerville, Margaret Dredge, and Inez Green—raised funds for the group. By 1965, the Art Group had purchased land on Reserve Road and commissioned local architect C. Bricknell to build studios, officially opened by Dr. Eric Westbrook, Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. Dr. Westbrook also inaugurated the Inez Hutchinson awards in 1966. The studios were later expanded in 1975–76 by architect John Thompson. As of 2025, Cate Rayson serves as President of BAG.

In recent years, the Council and BAG committee considered redevelopment of the studios to meet safety and space requirements. A 2019 proposal to demolish the building was rescinded in 2020 following heritage concerns and the findings of the Mid-Century Modern Heritage Study, which recommended retaining the sound building. Today, the BAG studios include a gallery and display cases that host annual shows, open days, and exhibitions of member work.

Other Beaumaris galleries have also contributed to the suburb’s artistic culture. The Clive Parry Galleries, operated by Russell K. Davis from 1966 to 1979 on Beach Road, showcased a wide range of media including paintings, drawings, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, and graphics. Artists exhibited included Margaret Dredge, Robert Grieve, Wesley Penberthy, Kathleen Boyle, Noel Counihan, Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, Erica McGilchrist, Howard Arkley, Alan Sumner, Tina Wentcher, William Dargie, and many others. The gallery hosted the Inez Hutchinson Award in 1975, 1976, and 1977. More recently, venues such as the Ricketts Point Tea House have provided exhibition spaces for local artists.

Through decades of exhibitions, awards, and studio development, the Beaumaris Art Group has played a vital role in fostering creativity, celebrating local talent, and preserving the artistic heritage of Beaumaris.