|
A BRIEF HISTORY: Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild began in 1951 when eight distinguished local artists met to form the Guild: John Hilton, Merritt Boyer, Michael Malloy, Kirk Martin, Vera Martin, Evelyn Hutchinson, Fritiof Perssons, and Edna Onderdonk.
The historic old adobe building that houses the Twentynine Palms Art Gallery was built in 1936 by the Stubbs brothers for western author Tom Hopkins. Mixture for the adobe bricks was brought from Mesquite Dry Lake. The fill dirt was made up of gold tailings from the Gold Crown mine, and plaster for the walls was taken from the Anaconda mine. Some of the building's support beams were railroad ties used during the construction of the Los Angeles aqueduct in 1913. Spikes can still be seen in the lintels over the doors and windows.
In 1963 Edward and Margaret Schiller purchased the adobe and sold it to the Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild to be used as a community art gallery.
The Guild obtained its non-profit status in 1963, and by 1967 had paid off the mortgage, the ashes of which were placed in a gold casket that was incorporated into the mantel of the fireplace in the Main Gallery. Later the old garage was converted into a gift shop, which has financially supported the Gallery over the years.
In 1972 the Lee Lukes Pickering room was added, and then in 1992 the building grew again with the addition of the West Gallery, all from generous donors and community support.
Twentynine Palms Art Gallery is a landmark for the City of Twentynine Palms, providing a space for local and visiting artists to exhibit works of art. The Guild is also active in arts education, offering demonstrations, lectures, workshops, and classes throughout the year for student artists of all ages.
Twentynine Palms Artists' Guild is an all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Membership is open to all artists and art-appreciators, and volunteers are always welcome to help support the Guild's activities.
|
