VAA is the Place for Local Artists

Guests view the work of local artists in the Mansion House in City Park. 

The roots of the Valley Art Association date to 1938, and for the better part of a century the VAA has given local artists of all mediums a place to work, display, and sell their art. This year the VAA celebrates its 35th year in the Mansion House in City Park where local art enthusiasts can stroll through the galleries and enjoy the work on display. 

But if it weren’t for 11 local artists who met on Oct. 6, 1938, to discuss plans for local participation in the National American Art Week planned for November 1 to 7, Hagerstown might have one less outlet for local artists. While they were talking about their plans, the idea of a permanent organization of local artists was tossed out by Alonzo Rutter. Everyone thought that would be great, so Rutter was appointed to spearhead the Society of Hagerstown Artists. 

Artist Carol Miller conducts a class in acrylic painting. 

Less than a year later, the society held an exhibit attended by more than 1,000 people at the B&O train station. Another exhibit the next year drew an equally good crowd. The society was off and running, and its rich history, including name changes to the Hagerstown Art Club and eventually the Valley Art Association, is now well documented.  

Meetings were held at the Museum of Fine Arts until 1991 when the VAA moved into the Mansion House Gallery, a mid-1800s house on Highland Avenue in City Park. From here, the VAA has established itself as a vibrant local organization, not only presenting the work of local artists but conducting educational classes and holding community events. 

“We also have festivals, picnics, craft shows, and are continually looking for new ideas and ways to serve the community through art,” says VAA president Donna Crow. 

The general public can sign up for figure drawing and painting classes every Monday, and other classes taught by local artists are open to the public at minimal cost.  

“We have all local artists at the Mansion House with membership around 160 to 170 people,” Crow says. “We are excited to be getting younger members and are exploring ways to include people with special needs, more young members, and families. We have an amazing group of board members creating new ideas and projects to be presented this coming year.” 

Some members rent wall space in the Mansion House where they hang their artwork for anyone to view or purchase. There is also the North Gallery with new hanging exhibits each month. This gives artists who do not have wall space the opportunity to display their work and potentially sell it.  

One convenient thing for local artists is the Valley Art Association does not charge commission for artists who sell their work at the Mansion House. Many galleries charge 30 percent to 50 percent commission. 

“We are working hard to keep things affordable for everyone,” Crow says. “Many of the artists pass this savings on to the buyers as the artwork created is very reasonably priced.” 

Perhaps there is a bit of the spirit of Rutter and the other 10 artists responsible for the VAA’s beginnings.  

“I can’t say enough about the kindness and camaraderie I have experienced at Valley Art Association,” Crow says. “It is much more than a building with paintings. It has a special spirit all its own.” 

The general public can visit VAA at the Mansion House during open hours on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Memberships are available for $30. 

A gallery in the Valley Art Association’s Mansion House in City Park.