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In
the
nineteen thirties, Mesa was in the middle of a huge growth
spurt which continues to this day. Winter visitors and those seeking a
comfortable retirement spot sought out Mesa to vacation in and to settle
in the mild climate. Attracted by the peacefulness and beauty of the area,
a significant number of artists began to make Mesa, Arizona their home.
This core population of artists has continued to grow into the Art League
that exists today. The Mesa Art League is a place to meet and find
fellow artists for friendship or to exchange ideas about artistic
technique and other issues. We are an open and friendly group; all levels
of experience are welcome and nurtured.
From its inception in 1936, the Mesa Art
League has been community-minded, supporting the arts, the children and
those in need, through its generous donations. Receiving
its Certificate of Incorporation from the State of
Arizona as a
non-profit organization in 1955, the league made up a formal charter that
involved working with local schools, retirement homes and producing
artistic events in the community. The Mesa Art League
developed the following objectives and definitions of purpose:
The
promotion of cooperation and camaraderie among its members with the
concurrent stimulation and encouragement of their talents
The
participation with art-oriented groups similarly dedicated to the cultural
growth of the visual arts,
The
provision for and development of suitable venue for members in the
promotion, exhibition and sale of members’ art
The
recognition and encouragement of young art students through scholarship
awards and other incentives.
The current President
of the MAL intends to take the group one step further by creating numerous
high quality shows and show venues to display artwork.
She is planning downtown venues where the art club would demonstrate their
talents in art walks, art fairs and art displays. She is working
closely with the Mesa art Galleries to involve the Mesa Art league
member’s work. The president also stated that she would like the
Mesa Art League to represent art in Mesa. She would like the league to be
actively involved in promoting art in the area and establish a firm
example of generosity toward the community.
The art league has monthly meetings where
members can gather and discuss current events in their lives and in the
art world. We start the meeting with a member art critique. This is where
any member can bring in their artwork in progress or complete, to be
critiqued by fellow members. Our critique sessions have been very
successful and enjoyed by all. They are informative for the new artist as
well as the more established. Next, we have a short business
meeting, and then on to the main venue: the guest demonstration artist.
These demos have been very successful and informative. We invite local
and nearby professional artists; businesses with art related procedures or
“how to promote yourself” type speakers to present their product to the
club and/or demonstrate a procedure. We are very excited about the artists
we are lining up for next season.
I should mention our break for member-baked
goods and refreshments and visiting. This is where we eat well, meet our
new members and have friendly discussions and chat.
During the meetings, we also give the
members the opportunity to bring in one completed artwork upon which the
membership will vote one as Artwork of the Month.
At the end of the year, we bring in all of the Monthly artists and vote
for Artwork of the year.
The MAL president would like to see future
growth in the club through community-oriented projects, member lead
workshops, painting trips and much more. She would like to see
Mesa as an art destination and confidently believes that we have
the energy, talent and vision to make it happen!
As we move toward achieving our goals, we
invite you to be a part of it by enjoying our events and by joining with
us. You do not have to be an artisan to belong to the Mesa Art League.
Our membership includes purveyors of fine art, volunteers, art
appreciators, as well as beginning and professional artists.
Mesa is in a Renaissance! Mesa
Art League is a vehicle to promote our local artisans and give back to the
community through our charity. Join the Arts movement in Mesa!
Join the Mesa Art League!
Expect to hear a lot about the Mesa Art
League and its members!
Mesa Art League meets *see home page for
location* in Mesa on the second Tuesday of the month .
Meetings start at 5:00 and end at 8:00pm. You are welcome to come
and sample a few meetings before you join.
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