An Organization Steeped in History
Founded in 1924, the St. Augustine Art Association carries on a rich tradition of local art that dates back to the 1500s, when Jacques LeMoyne used his artistic skills to document the New World for the French king. In later years, artists who spent their winters in Florida were encouraged to form the Pen and Brush Club, founded by Nina Hawkins, editor of the St. Augustine Record.
The group eventually became known as the Galleon Club and was later granted the use of the Waterworks Building as a gallery space. In the 1930s, this collective of local artists and business owners successfully positioned St. Augustine as a destination for creative minds. In 1954, they relocated to their current site, where the Association continues to present exhibitions.
Offering Educational Programs and Exhibitions
Today, the St. Augustine Art Association remains a cornerstone for artists, fostering connections across local, national, and international communities. Their expansive 5,000-square-foot space is open to the public year-round and is the heart of the community's art scene. As the area's premier art center, it offers a welcoming environment for artists, art enthusiasts, and the public.
The facility hosts a variety of programs, including hands-on workshops, educational lectures, and interactive children's programs to inspire young minds. Additionally, the center provides a space for art camps, concerts, art walks, and special events. These offerings create a lively cultural hub where people of all ages and backgrounds nurture, share, and celebrate creativity.
Enduring Collections for Community Enjoyment
The Association's permanent collection includes works by the "Lost Colony," which contains art from 1930 to 1950. Their art pieces provide a look into the past and enhance visitors' viewing experience.
Some artists who are part of the permanent collection include Celia Cregor Reid. E.B. Warren, Emmett Fritz, Frances Howatt, Gladys V. Mitchell, Harold Etter, Harold S. Maddocks Heinrich Pfeiffer, J. Courtenay Hunt, John Pratten, Lorena Rogers, Louis Kronberg,Louise W. Shanks,Nunzio Vayana,Ralph Hillbom, Rosalie Barclay, Walter Cole, Robert Hamilton, W.F. Krondorf, William L’Engle, and Tod Lindenmuth.