History
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, and currently count 143 artist-members and supporters.
May 23, 1973: How It All Started
Eight Orange Park artists met at the Lanier Densmore Studio to form a multi-media art group: Valerie Boardman, Toni Charneco, Lanier Densmore, Jerry Ellis, Joan Geyer, Pat Poulos, Martha Webb, and Ann Wright.
May 23, 1973: A Framework for the Guild
These eight artists sketched out the framework for an organization first known as the "Fine Arts Guild of Orange Park." Every effort was made then, as it is now, to live up to the "Fine Art" standards in the name. Lanier Densmore, a commercial artist, designed the original logo, and the Guild has built on that reputation for more than fifty years.
October 6, 1973: First Exhibit
The first exhibit was held October 6th and 7th, 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 Webb. More than 300 art lovers attended.
April 11, 2002: Becoming a 501(c)(3)
The Guild had displayed, exhibited, and promoted the visual fine arts and related crafts throughout Clay County and Northeast Florida since its founding. A 1979 revision to the Constitution and By-Laws opened membership to artists throughout Clay County. In 1998, the juried membership selection requirement was dropped, and by 1999 artists from any area could join. The Guild incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit on April 11, 2002, gaining the standing to solicit donations and issue donor tax credits.
October 1, 2003: Building the Scholarship Fund
The Courtenay Hunt Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 for graduating high school seniors. Public relations campaigns, fundraising, and community outreach from 2003 to 2005 raised enough capital to fund future growth and to secure a Patron-level position with the Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, where the Guild is recognized on an inscribed seat plaque in the main performance hall.
September 8, 2025: Still Growing
By 2025, the Guild had grown to over 80 members and supporters, with monthly meetings, artist presentations, enrichment workshops, and both juried and non-juried shows. Members also supported surrounding communities, other artists, arts organizations, schools, and charitable groups, donating time and energy, and sometimes art itself, when cash contributions weren't the right fit.
January 22, 2026: The Guild Gallery Opens
The Guild opened its first public gallery, featuring a wide variety of visual art alongside the history of the T.C. Miller Center and its influential local artists. Visit at 440 McIntosh Ave in Orange Park, open Monday–Saturday, 10am–4pm.