FROM THE ARCHIVES |
In the summer of 1934, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce
Women's Auxiliary celebrated its first Allied Arts Festival. The Whittier
Woman's Club also took part. A group of artists from the show joined
together, drew up a constitution and elected a board of directors for
what became the Whittier Art Association.
Their aim was to create and maintain a community art gallery that
would offer continuous exhibits of fine arts and crafts, to stimulate
and coordinate the expression of local artists, and to advance the
appreciation of fine art.
After five years of fund raising, the Association moved into its own
gallery. Mr. Fred Pease donated the land on Painter Avenue and
lent money for the building. Architect William Harrison donated
his design for the quaint, period style building. Raymond Hunicutt
supervised the construction for free and local businesses donated
materials at reduced prices. The Association made every payment
on time, and in 1945 the entire debt was paid off making the
Whittier Art Association one of the few artists' associations to
host its own full time gallery.
In 1959, the gallery was enlarged to include a stage, a kitchen,
restrooms and a paved parking lot. An Art Guild was organized
to provide financial aid. A membership of 30 to 40 women worked
with teas and special events to maintain the gallery, both inside
and out. Their help enabled the Association to become a totally
self-supporting nonprofit organization.
Women's Auxiliary celebrated its first Allied Arts Festival. The Whittier
Woman's Club also took part. A group of artists from the show joined
together, drew up a constitution and elected a board of directors for
what became the Whittier Art Association.
Their aim was to create and maintain a community art gallery that
would offer continuous exhibits of fine arts and crafts, to stimulate
and coordinate the expression of local artists, and to advance the
appreciation of fine art.
After five years of fund raising, the Association moved into its own
gallery. Mr. Fred Pease donated the land on Painter Avenue and
lent money for the building. Architect William Harrison donated
his design for the quaint, period style building. Raymond Hunicutt
supervised the construction for free and local businesses donated
materials at reduced prices. The Association made every payment
on time, and in 1945 the entire debt was paid off making the
Whittier Art Association one of the few artists' associations to
host its own full time gallery.
In 1959, the gallery was enlarged to include a stage, a kitchen,
restrooms and a paved parking lot. An Art Guild was organized
to provide financial aid. A membership of 30 to 40 women worked
with teas and special events to maintain the gallery, both inside
and out. Their help enabled the Association to become a totally
self-supporting nonprofit organization.
| Copyright 2003 Whittier Art Association |
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WHITTIER ART GALLERY
WHITTIER ART GALLERY
WHITTIER ART GALLERY
WHITTIER ART GALLERY
WHITTIER ART GALLERY
8035 SOUTH PAINTER AVENUE, WHITTIER CA 90602
(562) 698-8710 OPEN: WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY noon to 5 p.m.
(562) 698-8710 OPEN: WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY noon to 5 p.m.
HISTORY OF THE WHITTIER ART ASSOCIATION |
The Whittier Art Association believes
that art is a necessity, rather than a luxury,
and that it belongs not to an exclusive few,
but to everyone. The Association offers opportunities to amateurs,
professional artists, students of all ages and discriminating art
lovers, as well as to the members themselves.
Such noted artists as Milford Zornes, Taro Yashima, James
Cooper Wright, Millard Sheets, Ralph Hulett and even Norman
Rockwell have exhibited, taught and demonstrated in the
association's meetings and shows.
that art is a necessity, rather than a luxury,
and that it belongs not to an exclusive few,
but to everyone. The Association offers opportunities to amateurs,
professional artists, students of all ages and discriminating art
lovers, as well as to the members themselves.
Such noted artists as Milford Zornes, Taro Yashima, James
Cooper Wright, Millard Sheets, Ralph Hulett and even Norman
Rockwell have exhibited, taught and demonstrated in the
association's meetings and shows.
| Present Gallery includes state of the art gallery lighting throughout, renovated restrooms, kitchen, Gift Gallery. and a contemporary entry ramp for easy access. |
View of the Whittier Art Gallery just prior to the renovation
As we were, circa 1939
WATERCOLOR
SKETCH
BY MILFORD
ZORNES...
owned by
Marta Reents
SKETCH
BY MILFORD
ZORNES...
owned by
Marta Reents
James Milford Zornes (January 25, 1908 – February 24, 2008)