As the Chairman of the Somerville Civic League Art Department in 1939-1940, Mrs. Cornelius A. Lowe, in organizing a painting class, contacted Mr. Tanner Clark of Green Knoll who had just returned from the West coast to give instruction in art and painting to twelve of the members who were interested in learning to paint. As time went by, Mr. Clark and Mrs. Lowe saw the need for some kind of center for art in this area, and thought that an Art Association of Somerset County should be formed. These two persons contacted five others to form a committee to contact other interested people in their respective areas to sound out this project.
Finally, a meeting of the so called "Somerset County Artists", who were interested in forming a local art association, was held at the home of Mr. And Mrs. Tanner Clark in Green Knoll, on March 20, 1941.
Mrs. Lowe opened the meeting as acting chairman, and read a proposed plan of organization. She then called upon Mrs. Clark, who read a list of forty one prospective members, and a list of suggestions and activities which a society of this kind might carry on.
This was followed by a general discussion led by Mr. Waylande Gregory, of Bound Brook, bringing out each individual's reasons for wanting such a society, and the various ways such an association could be of service to the community, as well as to it's members. It was suggested that the society or association be democratic in form, and consist of professional artists, non-professional artists and associate members, and that there be an advisory board of members.
The chairman asked for a vote of hands of all those who wanted to form such an association. All were in favor.
Mr. Gregory made a formal motion of organization, as follows: "I would like to make a motion that we, all present, form an art association, an organization based upon a broad policy of democratic activity in the community". This motion was seconded and passed.
Mrs. Lowe then made a motion, that Mr. Waylande Gregory serve as chairman, and Mr. Clark as co-chairman. This motion was seconded and passed.
The new chairman then took charge of the meeting, and asked for nominations for a committee to draft a constitution. The following nominations were made: Mr. Gregory, Mr. Clark, Miss Barbara Mathis, Mr. James Laubach, Miss Helen Jones, Mr. Leo Weinrich, and Mrs. Cornelius Lowe. The motion was passed that the above committee be accepted. It was seconded and passed.
The Chairman, Mr. Gregory, announced the date of the next meeting, Thursday April 3rd, 1941 at the home of Mrs. Todd, 29 Chestunt St., Bound Brook. The constitution committee to report at that meeting. A collection was then taken to start a fund for secretarial expenses, each member contributing ten cents. Miss Margaret Hussey of Somerville was appointed secretary-treasurer. The meeting was then adjourned.
The name "Somerset Country Art Association" was changed to "The Raritan Valley Arts Assoication" and incorporated in 1942.
The 1941 Board was, Chairman, Waylande Gregory, Vice Chairman, Tanner Clark. Second Vice Chairman and director of the non-professional group, Mrs. Cornelius Lowe, Secreatry-Treasurer. Miss Margaret Hussey, and Miss Barbara Mathis, Exhibition Chairman.
Mrs. Lowe was appointed as an Honory Member in 1942. Mr. Leo Weinrich was then President.
[This history was taken from a typed sheet in the President's files in 2008]
Rememberances from Diana Patton former Newsletter Editor
A bit of history .. the Raritan Valley Arts Association was started in 1939 and is arguably the oldest arts association in New Jersey. Art Trippanera was one of the first members.
I, Diana Patton, joined in 1975 when Sylvia Maria Glesmann was president. I wrote the Newsletter for many years, from the 1980s until I moved in 2019 and Jennifer Ali took over.
( I was also president; I think it was 1979 to 1981)
Diana Patton -- Jennifer Ali
When the Somerset County/Bridgewater Library was built in 1981, I talked to the Director of the Library, got RVAA a show there, and started having a Holiday Show every December which continued until 2019. It was much larger in the beginning, with lots of racks, as Doug Axman would bring his racks in, I brought mine, and Joan McKinney donated huge permanent racks. For many years I was in charge of the Holiday Show and when we could show sit we did sell quite a lot of paintings.
Debbie and John Tintle were Presidents for several years and then Linda Arnold was President for 18 years, I believe. They all did so much for our organization. Alka Dalal was our next great president until her death. Next Marge McGovern, who took care of the annual RVAA bus trip to NY City, then became our wonderful President.
Linda Arnold -- Debie Tintle -- Alka Dalal -- Marge McGovern
As far as treasurers go, for many years Ed Golubiewski was Treasurer and at our Holiday Dinners he would give the board members hand carved and painted duck and fish sculptures that he had made. Amazing! After his death 2011, Barbara Fiorentino was treasurer.
In the photo below with Doug Axman you see Eleanor DeMott who was Secretary for many years. Following Eleanor DeMott, Rosemary Zangara was Secretary. Following her Lois Westerfield was Secretary.
We all know Doug as a very fine artist and demonstrator, as Membership
Chairman for Raritan Valley Arts Association for as long as most of us remember, and
for always pulling together our joyous annual Holiday Dinner in December.
Doug Axman and Santa (Dick Arnold) -- Group around table
After Doug moved Susan Boyd took over as the Membership Chairperson and has been until the present.
