About the Art League

Equity & Inclusion

We respect and appreciate all visual artists and supporters; regardless of race, creed, sexuality, identity, or gender expression. We make space for all members-new and long time- and honor their contributions.

Community Action

We encourage active participation for the common good and well being of our community. As a volunteer-driven organization, your action makes our existence possible.

Growth & Development

We believe in fostering and expanding the skills of creative expression so that artists may grow and develop their skills.

Learning & Education

We actively support and develop on-going visual arts education programs for learners of all ages and skill levels.

Create Opportunity

For local artists to grow in their skills, network professionally, show case their work, and teach others about their passions.

Establish Community

Through partnerships that target audiences who lack access to adequate arts programing and gathering of creative individuals for networking and celebration.

Inclusive Representation

Make sure that we our attracting members that add to the rich heritage of our organization through a kaleidoscope of identity, culture, and thinking.

Founding

In 1947, Findlay City Schools offered an adult education program, and a group of people took an art class. These people enjoyed the art and each other’s company so much they decided to create a way to continue working together.

After organizing this group started having weekly get togethers where they drew and painted and brought refreshments and got to know each other. Sometimes meeting in people’s homes, or at established business that would allow them to use their space to meet, make art, and helped each other improve their skills. It is from these humble beginnings that The Findlay Art League was born. Over time more people joined the organization which compelled them to incorporate and become a legal entity. This boon in membership resulted in the Art League charging membership dues for the first time in their history. Member Bob Balcomb, graphic designer at the Ohio Oil Company (now Marathon) designed a logo to commemorate the occasion—which remained in use until 1996 when member Kathy Roynon designed a new one.

Art League Renaissance

The Art League’s local influence was growing and the local newspaper (The Republican Courier—now simply The Courier) began to publish the Art League’s happenings. At the time weekly meetings included demonstrations of figure and proportions, ceramic making, artist lectures, perspective drawing, and watercolor painting. Often local businesses would add notes about the Art League to their paid ads to bolster community recognition, and the community felt the impact. In 1953, due to mounting pressure from the community Findlay College re-established their art department which had laid dormant since 1916. Art League members volunteered their time, energy, and artwork to see the department re-opened and ensure it’s longevity.

Through the years, the Art League’s goal has always remained the same: provide a space where artists could gather, learn, and make. Members helped one another grow through classes and workshops, and they welcomed the community to share in their art through exhibitions. However, the Art League still did not have a permanent home; meeting at local businesses, the YMCA, the Electric Company, and even Insley Seed Store on Front Street.

Growing Pains

As the organization grew they desperately needed space that could serve as both studio and gallery. During this time they began to meet at Findlay College in unused classroom space, each member paying $1 per month to the college. But by 1958 the college was rapidly expanding and could no longer offer the space to the Art League. Victor Unterbrink, a member at the time had spotted an empty garage for sale at 1105 Tiffin Ave. Though it was dirty, greasy, and had a sunken car hoist in the middle of its floor Victor saw potential. Remodeling the space and outfitting it with a low ceiling and modern lighting Victor surprised the Art League with the new space. The “New Home” Committee agreed that the Art League couldn’t afford to purchase the building, so Victor offered it to them for the same price they had been paying the college: $1 per month, for each of its 35 members.

Settling In

Between 1970 and 1972 the Art League moved two times before findlay settling in what had once been the Findlay Printing Company on Crawford Street. The new space had two large rooms: one for classes, and another for the gallery. As well as two smaller rooms that served as an office and a storage space. The new space was a huge financial obligation but the members dug in their heels and were determined to make this the permanent home of the Art League.

The Art League began teaching classes to the community and selling art; by Christmas they opened their doors for a Holiday Bazaar. Two years later in the spring of 1974 member Dolores Hailey painted a sign for the front of the building that was hung during their annual May Show. That very same year the Art League held their very first juried show marking the completion of a 25 year journey to find a space that allowed them room to pursue their collective desires: to make, to teach, and to exhibit.

Post Modern League

In 1984 under Phil Gerstner’s leadership the Art League held its first Photography Show declaring boldly that “Photography is Art" and keeping with this tradition the Art League has held a photography show every year since. With a different show each month the Art League rounds out its yearly roster with three annual exhibitions: The Member Show (May), The Photography Show (February), and the Fall Show (November).

The New Millennium

Though in recent years the Art League has undergone many changes including improvements to the gallery, and classroom spaces, as well as the inclusion of a pop up shop “Objects of Desire” and a new logo courtesy of Marla Brumbaugh: the Art League remains committed to it’s original goal of providing a space where artists could gather, learn, and make.