Arthur A Bender was one of the early exhibitors at the Wellington Art Club, Founded by James Nairn in 1892. Lectures were held, sketches were exhibited and criticised and members were encouraged to draw from life. Each annual exhibition of the club proved a great success. The radicalism of their art united the Impressionists as they sought camaraderie and mutual support. Pumpkin Cottage was a meeting place for the artists and their movement. Historic Wellington Art Club members and exhibitors include: James M Nairn (founder), John Baillie (founder member and first secretary), Nugent Welch, Sydney Higgs, Mabel Hill, Girolamo Nerli, Frances Hodgkins, William Tiller, Bessie Chapple, Carl T. Laugeson, Frederick Sedgwick and Arthur A. Bender.