We have long had a close relationship with the Town of Wickenburg, and it has been said that all of Wickenburg is our gallery, as we display currently in seven venues and other Town buildings.

We have an ongoing relationship with the Desert Caballeros Western Museum, too.

In the early days of the Museum, WAC not only exhibited our artworks there, but also held fundraisers for the Museum from time to time. Now, this partnership has grown into the West of Center event, where WAC displays artwork by our members in the DCWM Cultural Crossroads Learning Center during the summer.

The first Art Club logo was selected in 1988, created by Don Linn. It consisted of a horseshoe enclosing Vulture Peak. The name Artifacts for our newsletter was adopted in 1990 submitted by member June Jennerjahn. Our present logo of an artist’s palette flanked by a Stetson hat and cowboy boots was a joint creation of several members in 2002.

In 1988 was the first History Day art show by the club, and in 1992 Art Walks were held. The hard work of our many volunteers has benefited the club, allowing us to grow and develop. 

New flagstone walkway and patio, with iron grillwork also enhanced the appearance. The hard work and effort of the club, and prudent handling of our funds enabled us to purchase the building and through the income from the Gold Rush Days Artisans’ Fair, we are able to keep the dues low and our programs intact.

A Charter member, Wanda Chrzanowski, recently visited a board meeting and brought a painting for display. In 2005 Dave Hill planned the first plein air outing, and in 2013 Joan McDermott began field trip outings to various art events.

The extra space of a large meeting room has enabled the club to sponsor workshops by professional artists. The meetings total at least 50 people during the winter months, and often more at our twice a year potluck dinners. Open studio on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays are for all members to work on their art projects. We have a writers’ group, photography group, and clay group (with up-to-date equipment). Our Artist at Work show, as well as the Artisans Fair at Gold Rush Days and the associated Library Fine Arts Show and Sale attract many visitors to see our art. The club offers a scholarship to a high school student who is pursuing further art education. During our history, we have made donations to many community organizations, not the least of which was donating more than $10,000 to the Wickenburg Unified School District in 2018 for its Art and Music programs.

An example of WAC’s commitment to community involved members donating art pieces to Yarnell, Arizona, residents who had lost their homes in the dreadful fire, and are rebuilding. This “Make a House a Home” project was initiated by JoAnn Simpson. More than 90 pieces of art were gratefully received by the victims.

Through efforts of the many volunteers in the membership, WAC has been able to enrich the cultural life of Wickenburg by donating to arts programs in the schools, scholarships, and town organizations. These include the town of Wickenburg, Desert Caballeros Museum, Chamber of Commerce, Sheriff’s Posse, Library, Friends of Music, Police Department and Community Action Programs.

All who visit the Wickenburg Art Club are delighted with our accomplishments, and we are grateful to the early members who had the vision to establish our club.

from Jeanine Brown, Historian