Last updated: 1/16/2012
130 King William Street
San Antonio, TX 78204
Projects: Update image of museum, increase membership, create interesting programs, have good shows, increase permanent holdings.
Participate: Sharing information and programs
Benefit: Same as above
Headaches: Space restrictions, financial restrictions
Vision: Become art resource center for local and regional artists by providing web site, archives, 12 shows per year, lectures and classes on selected topics pertinent to artists and attending public.
The San Antonio Art League was organized in March 1912. Representing several art groups, the founders sought to achieve a three-fold foal; to provide artists with a place to exhibit their works, to acquire paintings for the public's enjoyment, and to found an art school.
In 1926, the Art League began what was to become a 45-year alliance with the Witte Museum, sharing space. A dream was realized in 1927 when the Museum of Art school was born.
The Art League experienced encouraging progress until World War II. In early 1942, the school closed for "the duration." Mrs. Marion Koogler McNay, a wealthy arts patron and graduate of the Chicago Art Institute, assessed the situation. Thanks to her generosity, the Art League continued classes in a spacious aviary on the McNay estate.
Then, circumstances forced another move, this time to the Belgian Pavilion at HemisFair Plaza. After a brief stay, the Art League moved again to the Koehler Cultural Center. The Otto Koehlers had given their mansion to San Antonio Community College, and Mrs. Koehler requested that they allow the San Antonio Art League to office there.
Needs grew, times changed, and the Art League once again needed a home. More security and proper temperature control were prime requisites. The ideal opportunity arose in the King William Historic district where the Art League's new home is, at last, a permanent place.
20th-century Texas artists, approximately 400 works with emphasis on artists from the San Antonio area
19th- and 20th-century American artists, approximately 50 works
The Davis Collection of Texas Art, 1927-1929, 35 works
Archives available for research by appointment.
In development stages., Monthly openings and several events
Quarterly newsletter; annual report; exhibition catalogue (two every year for Artist of the Year exhibition) Local Annual Show.
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