Celebrating 55 Years Of WAA

WASHINGTON DEPOT — This fall the Washington Art Association is culminating its 55th year with an anniversary retrospective exhibition at The Gunn Museum and The Gunn Memorial Library.

Over its history, the art association has drawn the aesthetically curious to view, learn about, create and exhibit art. Since it’s founding in 1952 by Margaret Train Samsanoff and a small group of local artists and patrons, Washington Art Association has attracted full-time residents, weekenders and visitors from both near and far.

Current WAA officers invite the public to celebrate WAA’s anniversary through an exhibition tracing the history of the art association through photos, documents, words, and memories. Over the years a long list of talented artists have shown their work on the seasoned walls of the art association. The exhibition shares a sampling of the level of mastery of a few, including the work of current and past faculty, and of artists who previously exhibited at the WAA and who achieved acclaim for their art.

On Sunday, September 23, the show will open with a reception from 3 to 5 pm. The collection will remain on view through January 1. The Gunn Museum, located at the corner of Rte 47 and Wykeham Road is open Thursday thru Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and on Sunday from noon to 4 pm.

After WAA’s first year of operation, Executive Secretary Margaret Samsonoff wrote in her report in March 1953: “The Washington Art Association is glad to report that it passed a successful first year. Because of the 100 percent cooperation of its members, it is firmly established as an ‘ongoing concern,’ an asset to the community and a solvent organization. You will be interested in the financial record (balance on hand, $27.47) which indicates a non-profit art association can flourish as a part of Washington life.”

Washington Art Association continues to be a not-for-profit organization seeking to promote an understanding and appreciation of art and to encourage and facilitate the study and practice of the arts in the community.

Contact WAA at 860-868-2878 or www.WashingtonArt.org.