We may never know who originally came up with the idea of forming a group dedicated to artistic expression, but this much is certain: the Tri State Creative Arts Association (as it was known then) held its first meeting on September 20, 1953. From that first meeting to this day, the association continues to have a positive impact on our region.
Thanks to the earliest members of the organization and the preservation efforts of the archivists at the Huntington Museum of Art, there are records for the T.S.A.A. dating as far back as 1956. Though the association had been in existence for a few years, the T.S.C.A.A. was already enjoying extensive press coverage not only for the events that they sponsored but also for the creative work of the individual artists in the association.
In 1957 the T.S.C.A.A. held a Sidewalk Sale (whether this was the first or one of the first we do not know). It was held in front of the old First Huntington National Bank. Records show that the sale earned the association two hundred twelve dollars, of which ten percent went to the treasury. While to us this may not seem like a great deal of money, the point is that the T.S.C.A.A. was gaining notoriety and currency (be it monetary or otherwise) with every new event…including one known as Exhibition 80.
Does Exhibition 80 sound familiar? It should, for we know it in its modern form as Exhibition 280. For those unfamiliar with it, Exhibition (be it 80, 180, or 280) is an annual event held by the Huntington Museum of Art that brings together artists from around the area to display their work.
In 1959, Exhibition 80 had 392 different objects from 87 different entries. The artists of the T.S.C.A.A. entered their many different works for display. From the early days of both the T.S.C.A.A. and the Huntington Museum of Art, a working relationship was formed that proved to be mutually beneficial to both.
In that same year, the reach of the association continued to grow as various merchants in downtown Huntington agreed to allow paintings to be displayed in storefront windows. J.C. Penney, for example, set up different displays in connection with various sales drives they had at various times in the year.
1959 was a significant year for the association for many different reasons. First, a new constitution and bylaws were established for the organization. In the first lines we find a succinct yet important statement about why this association came into existence and why it still exists to this day:
"…[t]o encourage and promote a public interest in and understanding of all schools of art; [and] to create and develop a closer relationship between art and the community;".
As part of the adoption of the new constitution and bylaws, the name of the organization was changed to what we presently know it as today…The Tri-State Arts Association (as a side note records indicate that a Ms. Emily DePrie came up with the logo that was used by the association for many years, until recently when a new logo was adopted).
Also, in the same year, we find the first mention of a sale where "paintings and other works of art will be held Sunday in Ritter Park." Today we refer to this as Art In The Park, the annual two-day event held at Ritter Park showcasing the works of the members of the T.S.A.A..
In the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s, the Huntington Museum of Art allowed various members to display their works at various locations in the museum. For example, in 1959, Ms. Grace Martin Taylor and Ms. Helen Tumpson displayed their work for a five-week period. At the end of their allotted time, another set of artists put their works on display.
Throughout this period of time, the T.S.A.A. would invite (either by itself or in combination with another group) regionally and nationally known artists to visit. They would share ideas about technique, and teach members (and non-members as well) about new and different ideas regarding expression through art. Some of the names found in the records include Walter Tandy Murch, Jack D. Smith Nicholas Marsicano, James Gibson, and Klaus Ihlenfeld.
Not content to stay with the status quo, in 1966 the T.S.A.A. helped put together the first Greater Huntington Arts Festival and the Downtown Arts Festival. These festivals allowed thousands of individuals to see and experience art in a personal kind of way. It may have even encouraged some who felt artistically inclined to actively participate in the creative process, as some of the newsletters that came out after these events made note of new members coming into the T.S.A.A..
From its earliest days on into the present, the Tri-State Arts Association was then and remains today a vibrant and engaged group that promotes something that is almost lost in "The Graceless Age"… the simple but powerful expression of beauty through art. Many are involved in the arts for various reasons, but the members of the T.S.A.A. remain committed to the reason that the association was formed: the promotion of art in the hope of bringing people together. If for no other reason than that, the Tri-State Arts Association is a jewel in the treasure chest that is West Virginia.
Established
1953
For and by the
artists of
Ohio
Kentucky
and
West Virginia
