League History

1962 to 2009 - 47 Years Strong

"Time to Reflect" (photo by David Lex Rollins)

It was August 8, 1962, when a group of local artists led by Rheta Gillette, our first President, brought the Huntington Beach Art League into being. Passionately determined to shape the organization into a real force in the community, the members went about establishing aims and goals and ideals that are the foundation of the Art League today. From the beginning HBAL has been an integral part of the cultural activities of the community, as well as a contributor to city drives and fund-raisers.

In 1990 the first "Rheta Gillette" scholarship was awarded to a promising young artist in the community. Today, that lone scholarship has grown to seven, with awards going to Goldenwest College and five local high schools.

In 1995 the League acquired space in the Huntington Beach Central Library and Cultural Center for The Windows Gallery. This large, beautiful gallery belongs to the members of the League, and is becoming well-known for its professional-quality art at reasonable prices.

In 1996 the Huntington Beach Art League merged with Arts Associates, another local art group. This merger increased the membership and added another gallery, The Artists' Corner Gallery, also located in the Huntington Beach Central Library. Since that time, the combined groups have grown and prospered into the leading Art League in Orange County, with nearly 300 members.

Those founding members of 1962 began the Huntington Beach Art League with high hopes and great dreams. They would be proud of what it has become.

HUNTINGTON BEACH ART LEAGUE

Aims and Purposes

  • To support and promote worthwhile community projects in the area of art
  • To stimulate creative activity, interest and enjoyment of art
  • To participate in educational and charitable programs