The History of the San Fernando Valley Art Club
The Early Years
On November 17, 1943 a group of artists met at Roland Pennoyer’s home to form an art club. Roland was elected president and served in that position for two years.
The club’s second meeting was December 1, 1943 at the North Hollywood Library. This active group selected San Fernando Valley Art Club as their official name.
SFVAC assembled at Greiner Art Studio on January 19, 1944 for their first demonstration of a pastel portrait by Mr. Greiner.
February 4, 1944, twenty-four artists with 83 paintings held their first exhibit with 200 guests in attendance. By July of 1944 they had formed sketch groups, modeling classes, ceramic groups and were exhibiting frequently. Their meetings continued to be held at the North Hollywood Library.
November 4, 1945 Charles Hulett was elected President and in 1946 the first “Paint Rag” newsletter was sent. Prior to that date news was sent by postcard.
San Fernando Valley Art Club participated in an exhibit, June of 1946, at City Hall. The exhibit was so successfully received that it was then transferred to Capistrano for a month long exhibit.
The club’s intense desire to own their own “Home” spurred these artists to create a “Building Fund”. They held bake sales, card parties, raffles, and dances raising quite a sum of money for those days. Unfortunately, the money collected through the years was never put to use purchasing any land when the price of real estate was low.
By 1947 Membership had reached 125 and Nina Duke Erler was elected president. KGIL Radio Station featured an art lecture series hosted by Nina. Nina passed away during her second term in office.
Through the efforts of SFVAC Honorary Mayors, Bob Burns of Canoga Park, Everett E. Horton of Encino, and Andy Devine of Van Nuys an “Art Week” was proclaimed. Rathburn’s Department Store in North Hollywood hosted many exhibits for the artist who now held their meetings in the American Legion Hall of Van Nuys.
Thanks to those long ago club member historians; Mertal Jensen - 1945, Irene Vieira – 1946-47, and Gene Gillion – 1948 this information was preserved in the first History Book of the San Fernando Valley Art Club.