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CLUB BEGINNINGS The histories of two early Los Angeles artists groups, the Painters' Club and the California Art Club, are nearly inseparable. The Painters' Club, organized in 1906 to bring artists together and present artwork for sale through exhibitions, allowed only men working in oil, watercolor or pastel to join. When the Painters' Club disbanded a few years later, some of its previous members reorganized themselves, and the California Art Club was formed in late 1909. Its membership guidelines were widened to include women and sculptors, as well as artists who lived outside the state, and the new club quickly grew in size and stature. [The Painters' Club also has predecessors - there is a common thread back to the Richmond Art Association, and even further back to the Rambler's Sketch Club, founded prior to 1911 in Indiana. Albert Clinton Conner is this thread. He and his brother Charles Conner (1857-1905), along with Frank J. Girardin (1856-1945) and M. T. Nordyke, founded the Rambler's Sketch Club, and soon added John Elwood. Bundy (1853 - 1933) to their group. The Rambler's Sketch Club later metamorphosed into the Richmond Art Association, which subsequently became the Richmond Art Museum. After Albert Clinton Conner moved to California, he helped to found the Painters' Club of Los Angeles, and used the models of the two previous art clubs. The Painters'
Club of Los Angeles
March 10, 1906: "A number of the painters of Los Angeles met together for the purpose of starting a club." (PC Minutes) March 17, 1906: "On the evening of March 17, eleven of those same men assembled again, at the studio of W. S. Daniell." (PC Minutes) This was the first meeting, and those eleven men were listed in the first roster as Charter Members. There are also thirty-one other men listed as "New Members" in the same roster, although it isn't known when some joined. March 31, 1906: The second regular meeting of the Painters' Club was held at William Henry Cole's house on Saturday, March 31. (PC Minutes) This meeting presumably included the addition of some New Members to the club, listed in the first roster as such (light blue above). [Minutes to this meeting are missing.] April 14, 1906: "The next meeting of the Painters' Club will be held at the studio of Carl Oscar Borg, on South Flower Street. The club has gained a new member, Martin J. Jackson." "The Painters' Club is for men only. It may be that women painters will be admitted later on, but at present they are not eligible. Any man who paints may become a member by making his desire known to the club through some member, who will submit his name to be voted on. At each meeting, every member of the club brings some recent original sketch, study or picture, in oils or water colors, which must pass under the fire of the candid and unbiased, yet always friendly and good-natured, criticism of those present. So far, nobody's feelings have been hurt, though all have been criticised unmercifully. The work brough in each week shows splendid results from this raking fire of criticism. April 28, 1906: The meeting on this date was held at the Art Students' League. Guy P. Goodwin (of Pasadena) became a new member. (L. A. Times, Apr. 22, 1906; Apr. 29, 1906) May 12, 1906: The meeting on this date was held at the studio of William Swift Daniell, 2620 Manitou Avenue. (L. A. Times, May 6, 1906) June 2, 1906: The meeting on this date was held at the studio of Frank Liddell, No. 4665 Pasadena Avenue. Two more new members joined at the May 12 meeting, Charles A. Ward and S. E. Bierach. (L. A. Times, May 20, 1906) June 9, 1906: The meeting on this date was again held at the studio of Frank Liddell. Norman St. Clair joined at the previous meeting. (L. A. Times, June 3, 1906; June 10, 1906) July 7, 1906: The Painters' Club decides to meet only once a month during the summer. The July meeting was held at the studio of Martin J. Jackson. The club decided to have an exhibition in October, and appointed a committee consisting of Daniell, Jackson and Bierach, to find a venue. August 4, 1906: The August meeting was held at the home studio of Hanson Puthuff, 401 North Avenue 53. Discussion of the exhibition in October. (L. A. Times, July 29, 1906; Aug. 12, 1906) September 1, 1906: The September meeting was held at the Art Students' League, and members desiring to exhibit in the fall were urged to attend. The first show was arranged for the first two weeks of November at the Blanchard Gallery. Each member will be allowed to exhibit 5 pictures. Hobart Bosworth and Randal W. Borough became new members. (L. A. Times, Aug. 26, 1906; Sept. 9, 1906) October, 1906: New members: Warren T. Hedges, Benjamin Chambers Brown, and John W. Nicoll, all of Pasadena. (L. A. Times, Oct. 7, 1906)
November 17, 1906: The November meeting was held at the Art Students' League, and members were requested to bring one or more framed pictures for the club's inspection. "The small gallery in the art store of Ford, Smith, & Little Co., No. 313 Broadway, will hereafter be turned over to the club for its exclusive use. Their pictures will hang there the year for Angelenos - and outsiders, too - to see and to buy. These pictures will be changed from time to time (in all probability every two months), so there will be no dearth of new pictures from the facile brushes of our own home painters. Drawings in black and white will also be shown, and everything, it is promised, will be of the best." (L. A. Times, Nov. 11, 1906) November 25, 1906: "The Painters' Club has taken possession of its new permanent gallery at Ford Smith & Little's, No. 313 Broadway. About thirty pictures are already hung. A complete list of new ones will be shown every month. There will be no admission fee, and the Los Angeles public is always cordially welcomed." December 1-31, 1906: The December small exhibition, consisting of twenty-eight pictures by seventeen artists, is held at the new club gallery at Ford Smith & Little's; the guestbook there showed that "hundreds and hundreds" of visitors came. Club membership now numbered about thirty male painters. There was no jury - the entire club passed judgement on whether or not a picture should be shown; but each artist ultimately determined what he wanted to exhibit. "The exhibition, on the whole, is a very creditable one, and there can be no doubt, that our painters are growing technically stronger day by day. As for their equipment - where, indeed, should a man become an artist if not in Southern California?"
December 30, 1906: "The Painters' Club met at the Art Students' League last night, to review the pictures for their January exhibition. About twenty-five canvases will be hung."
January 1-31, 1907: The January small exhibition was composed of "...twenty oils and seven watercolors ... fourteen of the club's members are represented." The sign painted for exhibitions of the Painters' Club was done by Val Costello. (L.A. Times, Jan. 6, 1907 6,2 3-5)
February 1-28, 1907: The February small exhibition was hung with "twenty-nine pictures this month, in oils, watercolors and pastels" by fifteen club members. Most of the pictures were landscapes - only two were figurative, and both of those were small, one by Anderson and the other by Austin.
March 1-31, 1907: The March small exhibition (? - artists & artwork unknown) at Ford Smith & Little's. March 30, 1907: "The Painters' Club held its usual monthly meeting at the Art Students' League on Saturday evening. The club's April exhibition of pictures will open early this week."
April 1-30, 1907: The April small exhibition at Ford Smith & Little's, comprised of "twenty pictures in all" by ten members listed. (L.A. Times, April 7, 1907 6,2,3-4)
May, 1907: "The Painters' Club has adjourned its fortnightly meetings till the first week in September. On June 15 it will give a sort of "farewell performance" to members and friends, its stunt being in the shape of an impromtu exhibition and a garden party. The Painters' Club has worked valiantly and well for the last year, and all its admirers - and they are almost countless - wish it a prosperous and happy vacation." (L.A. Times, May 26, 1907) June 15, 1907: "The Painters' Club will give a garden party to its members and friends on Saturday of this week. They will also hold an impromptu exhibition at the studio of William Swift Daniell, No. 2620 Manitou Avenue." (L.A. Times, June 9, 1907) September, 1907: "The next publication of the California State Library at Sacramento will give attention to art in California. The work of the Painters' Club of Los Angeles will be written of at some length." (L.A. Times, Sept. 15, 1907) November 20, 1907: "The Painters' Club held its first meeting of the year on last Wednesday evening at the home studio of Albert Clinton Conner, No. 242 South Griffin Avenue. The club's plans for the coming year were discussed." (L.A. Times, November 24, 1907) November 26, 1907: Albert Clinton Conner re-elected President, and David Dunn elected Secretary and Treasurer, replacing Antony Anderson, who was then unanimously voted an Honorary Member. (PC Minutes) Two visiting artists were also present ("brothers of the brush"). "The Painters' Club held a meeting at the studio of Martin J. Jackson, in the Copp building, on last Tuesday evening. On Wednesday afternoon all the members of the club started out together for a few hours of sketching in the neighborhood of Sycamore Grove. No doubt they have some very good "bits" to show for their afternoon's pleasant outing." (L.A. Times, Dec. 1, 1907) December 2, 1907: Ten members of the club and one visiting "brother of the brush" met at Jackson's studio. (PC Minutes) "The Painters' Club held an enthusiastic meeting, the first of the year, at the studio of Martin J. Jackson, on Tuesday evening (this would be Dec. 3rd, the PC Minutes say Dec. 2) of last week. Albert Clinton Conner was reelected president, and David Dunn was made secretary and treasurer. Three new applicants for [illegible] presented their names, which will be voted on at the next meeting of the club." December 17, 1907: A special meeting was called for the purpose of examining the work of three (unknown) new applicants for membership. (PC Minutes)
January 7, 1908: Seven members present for the meeting as well as one visiting artist, Mr. Scott from New Zealand. C. A. Rogers and H. W. Cannon elected to membership. (Minutes) "The ever busy Painters' Club held a meeting at their rooms in the Copp building on last Tuesday evening. Each member of the club brought a new painting or sketch for discussion and criticism." (L.A. Times, January 12, 1908) February 4, 1908: "Good attendance" at this meeting, including one visitor, a Mr. J. J. (J. K.?) Ray. There appear to be 29 members of the Painters' Club by this date, judging from a list that seems to be a checklist of dues paid. Four members are crossed out on this list (given up membership?) - Joseph Greenbaum, R. W. Borough, C. P. Neilson, and F. J. Johnson. (Minutes) "The Painters' Club will meet next Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock at No. 434 Copp building. Every member is expected to bring a new sketch for criticism." March 1, 1908: "The Painters' Club will celebrate its second anniversary by a smoker on next Tuesday evening, to be given in the ballroom of the Majestic Hotel, Hope and First Streets. The smoker will be followed by a luncheon." March 3, 1908: The Painters' Club held a celebration smoker at the Majestic Hotel in honor of their Second Anniversary. Hector Alliot gave a talk on the study of color, and the proprietor of the Hotel, Mr. Holmes, gave a short presentation and played the piano prior to supper. (PC Minutes) "The Painters' Club had an enjoyable reunion last Tuesday at the Hotel Majestic. It began with a ... [illegible] ... and ended with a luncheon of ... [illegible] ... and cakes, punch and ... [illegible] ... members told a ... [illegible] ...rose to express ...[illegible] ... and Mr. Holmes, p... [illegible] ...tel, gave a most dra... [illegible] ..."Eugene Aram's D... [illegible] ...sion was the second ... [illegible] ... of the club's existence." April 7, 1908: Val Costello proposed John Smith (Jack W. Smith) as a new member; his work was reviewed and he was accepted. Martin Jackson proposed a sketching trip on Tuesday April 14th - members meeting at the Car Station on West 4th St. at 12 noon. (Minutes) "On the evening of Tuesday next the Painters' Club will meet at the studio of Martin Jackson, No. 434 Copp building at 8 o'clock. All members are requested to bring new sketches for criticism by the club." (L.A. Times, April 5, 1908, VI2) May 3, 1908: "The Painters' Club will meet Tuesday evening, May 5, at 8 o'clock at No. 434 Copp building. All members are requested to bring their sketches for the usual criticism." May 5, 1908: Rev. John William Theiss unanimously voted (first) Vice President. Another visitor, Mr. Everetts (?), was present. (PC Minutes) "At the meeting of the Painters' Club last week, J. W. Theiss was elected vice-president. John Smith, a painter and illustrator, was made a member of the club. (Theiss was elected at this time; but it was actually a month prior at the April 7th meeting that John/Jack W. Smith was elected). June 2, 1908: A previous proposition by Warren Hedges was discussed by the members and accepted - that the Painters' Club could meet at the Art Students League (in Blanchard Hall) on the first Tuesday of each month until September, at which time the Painters' Club would pay rent. Three visitors were present: Mr. Spencer, Mr. Victor Coules and a third unnamed. (Minutes) June 16, 1908: "The Painters' Club gave their president, Albert Clinton Conner, a pleasant "surprise" last Tuesday evening. Little talks on art, by different members of the club, were part of the cheerful convivialities of the occassion." (L.A. Times, June 21, 1908, III4) July 7, 1908: The idea of a membership card was brought up, and a design was submitted by Martin J. Jackson. This was later approved. Three new applicants for membership were present - J. M. Black and Burton Boundey were accepted, while Mr. Spencer's application was deferred pending further examination. (Minutes)
July 21, 1908: "The Painters' Club, that thriving organization of earnest workers, held a special meeting on last Tuesday evening at the Art Students' League, for the purpose of discussing their forthcoming exhibition, which will be held at the Blanchard gallery in September or October. J. M. Black and Burton Boundey, both of Monrovia, were made members of the club at the last meeting." August 4, 1908: 15 x 20 cards were distributed among the members for posters to be used as announcements for the upcoming exhibition. Warren Hedges and David Dunn were appointed as a committee to be in charge of refreshments, music, etc. at the exhibition. (Minutes) "At the meeting of the Painters' Club last Tuesday evening William Wendt was made a member. In two weeks the club will have another special meeting for the consideration of the coming exhibition, which will be held early in October." (L.A. Times, August 9, 1908, III2) August 18, 1908: "At the last meeting of the Painters' Club, held on Tuesday at the Art Students' League, the various members submitted original posters, which are to be used as announcements of the coming exhibition, which is to be held early in October. The posters are to be distributed all over the city." August 24, 1908: "The members of the Painters' Club were entertained last Monday evening by William Wendt and Julia Bracken Wendt, at the Sichel Street studios of these artists. New pictures by Mr. Wendt and recent bits of modeling by Mrs. Wendt were the attractions of the evening, though the members of the club were also regaled on a delightful Bohemian lunch. The club's regular meeting will be held next Tuesday evening at the Art Students' League." September 1, 1908: Hanging committee elected: W. Wendt, C. A. Rogers, F. R. Liddell, M. J. Jackson. Press Committee elected: D. Dunn, M. J. Jackson. F. E. Evans was chosen as curator for the full course of the exhibit at a rate of $2/day and 10% commission on all sales. (Minutes) "The members of the Painters' Club, who met last Tuesday at the Art Students' League, have prepared some very strong and original posters for their coming exhibition, which will open in Blanchard Hall on October 8 and continue for two weeks. The event will be one of the notable ones of the year." September 20, 1908: "The exhibition of the Painters' Club will open at Blanchard Hall on the evening of October 7, with a private view by special invitation. On this occasion refreshments will be served to the guests by a reception committee of ladies. The following hanging committee was elected last Tuesday evening: William Wendt, C. E. Rogers, Frank R. Liddell, Martin J. Jackson. Press Committee: David Dunn, Martin J. Jackson. Striking posters, designed and painted by the members of the club, are now being shown in shop windows all over Los Angeles." September 27, 1908: "The first annual exhibition of the Painters' Club will open at the Blanchard Hall gallery on the evening of October 7, with a reception to friends of the artists. The public will be admitted on the following forenoon, free of charge, and for the two weeks that follow this date. A strong exhibition is looked for, as the club is composed of earnest workers." September 29, 1908: Special meeting to receive the pictures and sketches in black and white for the exhibition. M. J. Jackson appointed to produce a typewritten catalogue for the black and white work, and F. R. Liddell was given the task of putting a writeup in West Coast magazine. (Minutes) October 4 , 1908: "The Painters' Club, whose exhibition will open next Wednesday evening, will hold an auction of the posters made for the exhibition, at the conclusion of the two weeks of the show. The funds will be used for a 'Bohemian supper.' " October 6, 1908: Eugene C. Franks applied for membership with three examples of his work; his application was deferred until the Club could view more of his recent work. (Minutes)
October 7 - 22, 1908: The First Annual Exhibition was held
at the Blanchard Art Gallery with a private opening reception on the evening of October
7. Some pieces were sold; a charcoal sketch by Burton Boundey and two of Harry
Bailey's pictures. The twenty-five posters announcing the exhibit were sold by auction on the 22nd by Mr. Wm. A. Matern. (Minutes; L.A. Times, Oct. 25, 1907)
October 13, 1908: A special meeting was held to discuss the future year for the Club. The main topic was the "amendments of adjustment in the constitution and by-laws of the Club;" a committee was appointed to look into it: W. Wendt, A. C. Conner, C. A. Rogers, and F. R. Liddell. (Minutes) October 25, 1908: "The twenty-five posters which the Painters' Club has been showing in different parts of the city, were sold at auction from the gallery at Blanchard Hall last Wednesday." November 3, 1908: "The Painters' Club will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday evening at 3 o'clock at the Art Students' League." (L.A. Times, November 1, 1908, III2) November 10, 1908: The members and friends of the Club met at Campi's Cafe and "enjoyed a delightful banquet to the celebrate the first annual exhibition." After the cafe, everyone went to Chinatown, "there viewing many of the picturesque alleys, nooks and corners of that city of celestials by night." (Minutes) December 1, 1908: A. C. Conner unanimously re-elected President, and Rev. Theiss re-elected Vice President. D. Dunn resigned as Secretary/Treasurer, and Martin Jackson was elected to Dunn's post. Charles Gaskill proposed for membership by W. Matern; accepted as an Associate. (PC Minutes) December 8, 1908: "The Painters' Club held an election last Tuesday evening: Albert Clinton Conner still holds the presidency by a unanimous vote; Martin J. Jackson was made secretary and treasurer. Last night the club tendered Mr. and Mrs. William Wendt a surprise party at the Sichel-street studio of the wedded artists." (L.A. Times, December 13,1908, III2)
January 5, 1909: Pres. Conner proposed F. R. Miner for Associate Member; unanimously accepted. Also present werer Associate Members Matern, Rev. Hartley, Haskell and Blair. H. W. Cannon brought a visitor, Mr. Brightman. Mr. Proctor submitted two oil sketches and Rev. Hartley submitted three oil sketches for Active Member consideration; both were rejected. (Minutes) February 2, 1909: W. Matern donated an electric bulb and shade to the Club; it was motioned, seconded and unanimously carried to send him a thank you letter. The Secretary suggested that the Club present Mr. Matern with an illuminated testimonial - Martin Jackson to donate the work, and other members to contribute to the frame and materials. F. C. Coburn was proposed by Rogers for Active Membership; two oil sketches were enough to secure his acceptance. Associates Hartley and Proctor also present. The following members brought sketches for criticism: Theiss, Rogers, Kilpatrick, Black, Boundey, F. Conner, Austin, Dunn, Puthuff, Hedges and Jackson. Cannon, Costello and A. C. Conner failed to present a sketch. F. R. Miner also present at the meeting. (Minutes) "At the last meeting of the Painters' Club, F. C. Coburn was elected an active member. C. A Rogers and Martin J. Jackson were appointed a committee to find a suitable gallery for the spring exhibition of the club, to be held in May. The Ruskin Art Club sent complimentary membership cards to the members of the Painters. The next meeting, to be held on the evening of March 2, will be at the Majestic Hotel." March 2, 1909: W. Matern is presented with a framed illuminated testimonial by C. A. Rogers. Associate Rev. Hartley presented two oils accompanied by the customary $3.00 fee for consideration as an Active Member; he was elected. (Minutes) "At last Tuesday's meeting of the Painters' Club, which was held at Hotel Majestic, it was decided that a special exhibition of the club's recent work will be held on March 22, for a week or longer, in the exhibition basement of the Hamburger department building, in conjunction with a spring showing held by Hamburger Bros. At least one hundred pictures in oils and water colors will be exhibited by the club." March 14, 1909: "Beginning March 22, the Painters' Club will hold their spring exhibition in the lower exhibition rooms of the Hamburger department store. About 100 pictures will be shown, with every member of the club represented." (L.A. Times, March 14, 1909, III2) March 21, 1909: "The second exhibition of the work of the Painters' Club, which opens tomorrow at Hamburger's, will without a doubt create a great deal of interest. A well lighted corner of the lower floor of the Hamburger building has been assigned to the club, each of whose members will be allowed space for at least five pictures." (L.A. Times, March 21, 1909, III2) March 28, 1909: "The exhibition of paintings by the Painters' Club did not open last Monday at Hamburger's, as announced. The exact date has not yet been decided upon, nor the place where the show will be held. On April 6 the club will hold a meeting for the purpose of voting on both those questions." April 6, 1909: W. Wendt proposed Mr. J. Wells for Associate Membership, he was accepted. Rogers and Puthuff were appointed a committee to try and procure a gallery for postponed exhibition, which was moved to November. (Minutes) "The Painters' Club will meet on Tuesday evening at Hotel Majestic for the purpose of discussing the exhibition which the club intends to holds this spring." May 4, 1909: Rogers reports he was able to get the Blanchard Gallery for the last two weeks of November for the Autumn Exhibition. Mr. Blanchard also invites the Club to meet in his Gallery, and they accept. Hartley donated an easel to Club for displaying sketches. A motion was made that "each member be permitted to bring as many sketches as he sees fit at our next meeting and that an impromptu exhibition be held." (Minutes) May 30, 1909: "The Painters' Club has decided to postpone its second annual exhibition till fall; many of its members not feeling quite ready for a proper representation this spring." May 1909: A spring exhibition was to be held at The Blanchard Art Gallery, then the location was changed to the Hamburger Store. The exhibition was later cancelled. (PC Minutes) June 15, 1909: "The members of the Painters' Club will meet at the studio of Hanson Puthuff, No. 401 West Avenue 53, next Tuesday evening for "a general good time." A "Dutch lunch" will be served." July 6, 1909: Jackson proposed Mr. A. B. Dodge for Active Membership and submitted one oil and one watercolor. He was elected unanimously. Bailey proposed Mr. W. A. Sharp for Active Membe | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
