The BDAS was founded in October 1950 by Kath Smith and a committee of interested members of the general public. The first meetings were held in the C.W.A. Rooms at Moss Vale from 1951- 1963. A room was then rented in Berrima Court House, this period was from 1963 – 1969. In 1970 the Society acquired through the generosity of Edgar Bent a cottage in Short Street, Bowral, which is still its permanent home. The Berrima District Art Society is now a very active centre for the Arts in the Southern Highlands.
In 1993 a separate building was built in the grounds to accommodate workshops. A variety of classes and workshops are held in this building for adults and children. The workshops cover painting in all mediums, drawing including life drawing, printmaking, and many other subjects.
