Art Guild Since 1973
History
Promoting Art Culture
The Founders
The Art Guild of Orange Park, Inc. is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit, tax-exempt organization. Donations and contributions are tax deductible.
The Art Guild was founded in 1973 as a support network for artists. Our primary objective is to promote visual fine arts and culture in Clay County, Northeast Florida, neighboring communities, and surrounding areas.
We serve both charitable and non-charitable organizations. At the present time, we have approximately 130 artist-members and supporters.
Promoting Art in our communities
Since 1973
The History the Art Guild began over 50 years ago, with eight artists…
How it all started
On May 23rd 1973
Eight Orange Park Artists met at the Lanier Densmore Studio for the purpose of forming a multi-media art group. The group consisted of Valerie Boardman, Toni Charneco, Lanier Densmore, Jerry Ellis, Joan Geyer, Pat Poulos, Martha Webb, and Ann Wright.
Framework for the Art Guild
These eight artists sketched out the framework for an organization known previously as the “Fine Arts Guild of Orange Park”. Every endeavor was made then as is now to live up to the “Fine Art” standards in the name. The group was comprised of a select choice of talented artists who had achieved much success with their work. Lanier Densmore, a commercial artist, designed the original logo. The corporation’s reputation has gained historic recognition for nearly 50 years.
First Exhibit
The first exhibit was held October 6th and 7th in 1973 at Orange Park Town Hall. Exhibiting artists were: Cathie Anders, Valerie Boardman, Agnes Chalker, Toni Charneco, Lanier Densmore, Jerry Ellis, Joan Geyer, Courtenay Hunt, Margie Keeter, Teddie Jo Ryan, Fran Stone, Marilyn Taylor, and Martha Web. More than 300 art lovers viewed this exhibit.
The Bylaws..
The Guild has displayed, exhibited, and promoted the visual Fine Arts and other related crafts throughout Clay County and Northeast Florida since its inception. During 1979, a revision was made to the Constitution and By-Laws opening up membership to artists throughout Clay County. In 1998, the juried membership selection requirements were dropped opening up countywide opportunities and by 1999, artists from any area could join. The Guild was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit on April 11, 2002. Tax exempt status provided us the means to solicit donations and issue donor tax credits.
Building the Scholarship Fund..
The Courtenay Hunt annual scholarship fund was established in 2003 for High School Seniors. The Guild has recognized High School art students with financial assistance to enrich their own pursuits in the Arts. Public relations campaigns, fund raising efforts, and community outreach activities during 2003-2005 raised a substantial amount of capital that was set aside for future growth. These funds also contributed to a Patron level position with the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts. The Art Guild of Orange Park is officially recognized on an inscribed seat plaque in the main performance hall.
Current History
We currently support our members with monthly meetings, each with an excellent presentation from fantastic artists, as well as enrichment workshops, and both juried and non-juried shows to display our art.
In addition to our membership, we continue to meet the needs of surrounding communities, other artists, arts organizations, schools, and charitable groups for. When monetary contributions are not feasible, artist members, donate time and energy, or have offered product donations toward certain types of fund-raisers.
To date, the group is currently comprised of over 100 members and supporters.