Rochester Art Club Minute Books

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: 2020-040

Staff Only

Content Description

The Rochester Art Club is one of the oldest continuously active art organizations in the United States. This collection consists of four minute books from the Club's first 5 decades of existence, along with one folder of addenda. These materials date from 1877 to 1930.

Dates

Creation: 1877-1930

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of the collection.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use in any current or future manifestations must be obtained in writing from the Rochester Public Library Local History and Genealogy Division.

Administrative History

The Rochester Art Club formed in 1877 through the action of Harvey Ellis, John Z. Wood, James Somerville, James Dennis and J. Gurnsey Mitchell, a group of young Rochester artists who dedicated the organization to “mutual assistance in art study.” Its first meeting was held on September 5, 1877, and the new Club wasted no time in taking action, organizing its first show that same fall. The organization reformed and incorporated with a Board of Trustees on March 7, 1882. Monthly meetings allowed the club to maintain a smooth administration, along with planning what soon became annual art shows. These shows, held at several Rochester venues (Powers Building, Rochester Savings Bank, Bevier Building, Rundel Memorial Building, Memorial Art Gallery, etc.) included local and and outside artists, and funded the Club through art sales. The Club also provided art instruction in its early years, dropping this role after the foundation of the Rochester Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute in 1891.

The Rochester Art Club was associated with the Memorial Art Gallery from its foundation in 1913. Many members of the Club supported the Memorial Art Gallery, and George Herdle, president of the CLub for 18 years, served as the Gallery's first director. In more recent years, the Rochester Art Club has produced at least two shows annually and promoted art outreach and community engagement, along with producing public lectures and demonstrations. Membership in the club is by juried selection, and gives members access to the Club's workshops, critiques and gallery visits, along with engaging in members-only social events.