mssc204

MsSC 204

TACOMA ART LEAGUE, records, 1891-1897. 1 v.

Abstract: The Tacoma Art League was established by a group of Tacoma women in 1891 to promote art in the city.

History: The Tacoma Art League was established by a group of Tacoma women in 1891 to promote art in the city. Its membership was composed of “Professional Artists, Amateurs, and Art Students who desire to promote art in Tacoma, and by hearty cooperation, render mutual aid and encouragement to all who are in sympathy with Art culture.” The membership was largely female, the male members being either honorary or husbands of the women members.

Prominent Tacoma artists Julia Slaughter (1850-1905), Minnie Catlin, and Georgia Whipple were active in the leadership of the League.

In cooperation with the Ferry Museum (merged into the Washington State Historical Society in 1931), the League sponsored exhibits and classes in needlework, drawing, leather work, wood carving and other artistic fields. Papers (lectures) were often presented at the monthly meetings.

The League was the predecessor of the Tacoma Art Museum.

Scope and content: The collections consists of the Tacoma Art League minutes book, 1892-1897, two printed prospectuses, and notes of appreciation to the League for election to membership.

Also included is a carbon copy of a typescript, “A brief outline of the history of the Tacoma Art League, now the Tacoma Art Museum, together with a list of exhibitions from 1947 through 1964,” apparently compiled by Mrs. D. D. Schneider, a past president of the Tacoma Art Museum. No history of the Tacoma Art League is included in it.

Inclusive dates: 1892-1897, 1964.

Restrictions: None

Volume: 1 v.

Accession number: 1923.122.1

Box Folder Content

1 1 Minutes book, 1892-1897, 58 p.

1 2 A brief outline history of the Tacoma Art League, now the Tacoma Art

Museum