Kansas: A Cyclopedia of State History/State Art Association

Art Association, State.—When the Topeka public library building was completed in April, 1883, rooms were fitted up in it for the use of an art gallery and school. On Nov. 1, 1883, a letter was sent out by a committee consisting of George W. Glick, A. H. Horton, A. S. Johnson. John Martin, G. F. Farmelee, J. R. Mulvane. J. F. Scott, Frank Drummond, Robert Price and Edward Wilder, suggesting Nov. 8, when the Social Science club was to meet, as a suitable occasion to organize an art association. The letter also contained the announcement that a donation of $1,000 had been given by "one interested in art and progress." to further the work.

The proposition met with favor, and on Nov. 9, 1883, the Art Association was incorporated with 72 charter members. The articles of association declared the objects to be: I. The formation of a permanent art collection at the capital, to be open to all visitors; 2. To hold an annual competitive exhibition for Kansas artists. 3. The establishment of an art school. Edward Wilder was elected president, and G. F. Parmelee, secretary. The association was governed by a board of 24 directors. The first art loan exhibition opened in the rooms in the library on March 16, 1885, when a large number of oil paintings, water colors, engravings, drawings in black and white, ceramics, embroidery, curios, etc., were thrown open to the public.

On Sept. 13, 1886, the first session of the art school was opened, under the direction of George E. Hopkins, formerly in charge of the Cincinnati School of Design. At his suggestion the association imported a number of casts of famous art statues, historic figures, etc. For a time the school was conducted with comparative success. Then interest began to wane, some of the members of the association died or moved away, others neglected to pay their annual membership fees. and the association finally lapsed into a state of inactivity altogether. The collection, or at least the most of it, is still on exhibition in the library building at Topeka.