Then: Wickenburg Art Club 1964
The Wickenburg Art Club (WAC) has been a cornerstone of the local arts community since 1964, fostering creativity, collaboration, and a love for the arts in Wickenburg, Arizona.
What started as a small gathering of local artists with a shared passion for creativity has grown into a thriving organization that continues to enrich the cultural fabric of our town.
Wickenburg Art Club Founding Members: L-R – Wanda Chrznowski, Caroline Macias Mildred Herskowitz, Jeane Payne, Baruckchek, Hazel Bodin Odle, Emily McMannamee. – Circa 1964
A Look Back: The Early Days
Founded in the early 1960s, the Wickenburg Art Club began as an informal group of art enthusiasts meeting to share ideas, techniques, and inspiration. With a commitment to supporting local talent and making art accessible to the community, the club quickly became a beacon for artists and art lovers alike.
Growing and Thriving
Over the decades, WAC expanded its reach by hosting art exhibitions, educational workshops, and community art projects. The club’s dedication to promoting the arts led to the establishment of programs for all ages, from budding young artists to seasoned professionals.
An ongoing relationship with the Desert Caballeros Western Museum.
In the early days of the Museum, WAC not only exhibited our artworks there, but also held fundraisers for the Museum from time to time. Now, this partnership has grown into the West of Center event, where WAC displays artwork by our members in the DCWM Cultural Crossroads Learning Center during the summer.
Highlights of WAC’s journey include:
- Annual Events: Signature events like the Artisans’ Fair and Gallery of Gifts have become staples in the local calendar.
- Art Education: A variety of workshops and classes have introduced countless individuals to the joys of painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
- Community Impact: Public art installations, collaborative projects, and youth scholarships have left a lasting mark on Wickenburg.
Today: A Legacy of Inspiration
Now housed within the Wickenburg Art Center & Gallerys' beautiful and newly renovated facility at 188 Tegner Street, the Wickenburg Art Club has cemented its reputation as a hub for artistic excellence. The gallery and classrooms serve as a vibrant space for exhibitions, events, and education, continuing the mission set forth 60 years ago.
WAC is more than an art club—it’s a community that brings people together through creativity and passion. Here’s to 60 years of artistry, and to the many more yet to come!
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we create, inspire, and celebrate.
