Mission Statement

The Fountain Hills Art League was founded in 1980.  We are an organization dedicated to creating and promoting the visual arts and artists in Fountain Hills and surrounding communities.  Our goal is to learn from each other and help each other grow.  We believe the arts and cultural awareness are essential to the well being and giving back to our community.

Fountain Hills Art League History

The first artists of the Fountain Hills community were Mitzie Hale, Norah Van Fleet and Becky Witherspoon.  They met in each other's homes.  These women decided to start an Art League and the first organizational meeting September of 1980.  Nineteen artists attended that first meeting.  At the second meeting, Mitzie gave an oil painting demonstration and at the third meeting, Becky gave a watercolor demonstration.

Becky Witherson served as treasurer for fifteen years. In the beginning, speakers and programs were given by the members. Later, outside speakers were asked to demonstrate.

Jean Thomsen became coordinator in 1986. Jean served for ten years as the coordinator, getting speakers and writing the newspaper articles. She started the annual All Member's Show in the old Community Center and organized other art shows. She ran the juried competition for the Fountain Festival. Carolyn Rosenquist organized field trips to art shows, museums, galleries and to California. There were also painting and sketching outings.

The League met at the Valley National Bank (now Bank One), the Kiwanis Building, and the Presbyterian Church. We are fortunate that we now meet and have art workrooms for an Open Studio Program at the town's Community Center, which was dedicated in 2001.

Our League has developed into a major influence in our community with many and varied opportunities. We sponsor a monthly continuing education program, an open studio twice a month, seminars, and workshops.  We encourage outdoor "paint outs" museum, gallery and studio trips.  Our artists work in all media and include jewelry, fiber art, photography, and sculpture.  We have juried and non-juried exhibitions.  A monthly newsletter (The Collage) is published, and we maintain active representation on civic boards such as the Fountain Hills Cultural Council, its Public Arts Committee and Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation Department.  The goals of the League are also enhanced through our affiliations and networking with other art groups throughout the valley.