Draft:Art Association of Harrisburg
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|  |
| Abbreviation | AAH |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1926 |
| Headquarters | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |
Key people | Carrie Wissler-Thomas (president),
Nate Foster (director of exhibitions), Travis DiNicola (board chairman) |
| Website | artassocofhbg |
The Art Association of Harrisburg (AAH) is a non-profit arts organization in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Established in 1926, the organization promotes the visual arts through exhibitions, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. It provides a platform for local artists to display their work and engage with the public. AAH also organizes art classes, lectures, and workshops to support art education.[1]
History
[edit]1926 – 1940
[edit]The roots of AAH goes back to 1921 with the Harrisburg Civic Club’s Arts committee. In March 1921, Mrs. Mabel Crouse Jones was elected President but was succeeded by Mrs. William Jennings after Jones's death. Miss Letitia Brady became head of the Art Committee in May 1921. The Art Committee organized different events, including an oil painting exhibition in February 1922. In May 1924, Homer St. Gaudens spoke on developing a community art movement, leading to the proposal of an Art Association. By November 1924, formal plans for the association were in motion, and it was officially pursued in December 1924. The committee aimed to create an art center and gallery, increase public interest in art, and provide art instruction.
The Art Association of Harrisburg was established in 1926 by Gertrude Howard Olmsted McCormick and her colleagues as art patrons[2] These founding members intended to create an organization for artists to exhibit their work and engage with the community. Its first major event was an exhibition of Sir John Lavery's paintings in January 1926. The association, supported by community members, focused on promoting art appreciation and education in Harrisburg.
Later, in 1930, the association held its exhibition at the Pennsylvania State Museum. Throughout the 1930s, the association expanded its activities, organizing art classes, lectures, and workshops.
1940 – 1970
[edit]In the 1940s and 1950s, the AAH grew and expanded further in the region. The organization was merged with the Harrisburg Art Studio in 1954, and later, the studio evolved into AAH Studio under the Art Association of Harrisburg. In 1964, the association moved into the Governor Findlay Mansion, creating more space for exhibitions, classes, and events.[1] The association was based in rented quarters until it was moved to the Governor Findlay Mansion at North Front Street, Harrisburg. The annual juried exhibitions became a highlight, attracting submissions from artists across the region. Notable exhibitions during this period included the 1952 “Modern Art Show” and the 1960 “Pennsylvania Artists Exhibition.”
In addition, AAH launched an annual gala in 1941, which has been organized annually since then.[2]
1970 – 2000
[edit]In the 1970s and 1980s, the association expanded and innovated. In 1976, it celebrated its 50th anniversary with special events and exhibitions. After becoming the president of AAH, Carrie Wissler-Thomas launched the annual art event Harrisburg Gallery Walk at the association in 1988.[1]
2000 – present
[edit]In the 21st century, AAH incorporated the latest technologies to keep up with contemporary trends. In 2005, it launched a website for artists to showcase their work and for the community to stay informed about events. It collaborates with local schools and organizations to bring art education to underserved communities.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the AAH was closed for 3 months and reopened its gallery and classes in July. The association resumed its Summer Soirees in 2021 and its Annual Gala event in the following year.[2]
Notable art exhibitions and events
[edit]Annual Juried Exhibition
[edit]The Annual Juried Exhibition, a yearly event since the organization’s early years, attracts submissions from artists across the region. It provides a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work. The exhibition is juried by a national art professional each year.
Annual Gala
[edit]The Annual Gala is a fundraising event for the Art Association of Harrisburg, which is held every year with different themes. It features live entertainment, silent auctions, and award presentations and supports the association’s programs and activities.[2]
Educational programs and community outreach
[edit]The AAH offers four semesters of art classes for both children and adults every year.[1] With over 20 classes each semester, the association provides educational programs in painting, drawing, sculpture, pottery, and mixed media.
Youth Art Programs
[edit]The association’s youth art programs include six-week and nine-week art classes for each semester. It partners with local schools to offer art education programs.
Adult Education
[edit]The Association offers adult classes catering to both beginners and experienced artists. The programs include drawing and painting in different media, pottery, sculpture, and mixed media.
Community Outreach
[edit]The association’s community outreach initiatives include providing scholarships to individuals with financial need to attend AAH classes, and collaborations with the City of Harrisburg and other organizations to provide cultural enrichment to the region’s residents.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Buy local – and check out these amazing local artists and galleries – Harrisburg Magazine". harrisburgmagazine.com. Retrieved 2024-09-06.
- ^ a b c d Conley, Maddie (2022-03-11). "Have a Ball: Art Association of Harrisburg brings back gala, featuring costumes, music, food". TheBurg. Retrieved 2024-09-06.