Next came painting acquisitions by artists Julian and Robert Onderdonk, Jose Arpa y Perea, Mary Bonner and William Merritt Chase. During the years 1926-28, the League held the Texas Wildflower Competitive Exhibitions, spearheaded by oilman and Texas art lover Edgar B. Davis. The competitions brought in hundreds of artists’ submissions and the Edgar B. Davis Collection took shape. This collection really put the San Antonio Art League's influence and importance on the national map.
Mr.Pluto by Susan Brumfield Farris Onderdonk Prize Winner 2010 In 1927, the Art League began a 40 year partnership with the newly created Witte Museum and its curator Miss Eleanor Onderdonk . Here, they were allowed to exhibit and store their growing collection. At the end of World War II, they added the Artist of the Year and Onderdonk prizes, and eventually, an art student prize to their competitions. In 1973 the League and all its fabulous art works moved to the Koehler house at 130 King William Street, which coincidentally was originally constructed the same year as the Drought House. It would be a disservice to try to describe any further the collection. You just have to go to the museum and see it. And, get a docent to walk you through. Nancy Kempf served as an excellent guide when we toured. Spring for the $10 to purchase the "Century of Art and Community" book by Jacqueline Edwards. I used this book and Ms. Kempf as references. Go to the League's website for a full catalogue with visuals. If you're wondering my emphasis on Mrs. Drought--every day I go to work at Providence, I sit in the attic offices of the beautifully refurbished Drought House--now call the Najim Campus Center. I sometimes think about Mrs. Drought and her love of the arts, her intellectual drive, and her ambition to be a women of action and innovation and felt compelled tell her story. Photos of pictures used by permission of SAAL San Antonio activist and nonprofit veteran Laura Carter believes in enabling the community to work from the heart, not just the wallet. During her time at the San Antonio Area Foundation, Laura implemented new technology, managing website design, social media and content for all published materials. She is currently Communications Director at Providence Catholic School helping young women become Leaders, Learners, Women of Faith and Justice.San Antonio Current works for you, and your support is essential.
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