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.
Partnering with the Desert Caballeros Western
Museum
“In the Museum’s early days, the Wickenburg Art Club exhibited their members’ art at the Museum and held fundraisers for the Museum. This partnership grew into today’s West of Center event, at which Wickenburg Art Club displays member artwork for sale in the Desert Caballeros Western Museum’s Cultural Crossroads Learning Center each summer.
Highlights of Wickenburg Art Center’s journey
include:
- Annual Events: Signature events, including Artisans’ Fair, West of Center, Holiday Market, Paws & Paintbrushes and Gallery of
Gifts are staples on the local calendar. - Art Education: Each year, a variety of classes, workshops and demonstrations introduce countless individuals to the joys of drawing, painting, photography, clay, jewelry, and more.
- Community Impact: Public art installations, collaborative projects, senior art programs, and youth scholarships create a lasting mark on Wickenburg.
Today: A Legacy of Inspiration
• Headquartered at the Wickenburg Art Center & Gallery at 188 Tegner Street, the Wickenburg Art Club continues building its reputation as a cornerstone for artistic excellence. The gallery and classrooms provide a vibrant space for exhibitions, events, and education, enabling the Wickenburg Art Club to continue supporting the mission it set forth 60 years ago.
• Wickenburg Art Club is more than a club—it’s a community, actively bringing 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.
