A Brief History of The Association of Atlantic Area Artists (AAAA)
On April 12,1956, the Atlantic Amateur Artists Association was born, with the help of the then Major W. C. Borrett and Miss Bertha Robar. It was a long dream of Miss Robar's, to open an organization for artists to group together as she enjoyed painting herself but could find no place to exhibit her paintings. In the 1950's, there was one Gallery in Halifax, Zwicker's on Granville St., and it catered to serious or professional artists only. Because of this lack of space, and lack of interest in the amateur artist, a few people got together and formed this great association.
The membership consisted of seven people when it was formed: Major Borrett and Miss Robar, along with Captain W.E. Armit, William J. Latter, Roy Cullen, Miss Margaret Pope, and Arthur Fisher.
The main purpose of the Association was to promote and develop the amateur or beginning artist, sponsoring and encouraging the exchange of ideas, promoting companionship, enlisting aid for constructive criticism from qualified artists, and above all, loyalty to the association members, always endeavoring to maintain excellent relations with other artists and art organizations.
Since the very first year, 1956, the Association has held an annual exhibition of paintings, typically in the Spring of each year. These shows have been held in many prominent places, including the Halifax Memorial Library, Centennial Art Gallery (Citadel Hill, formerly the gun room), Province House, Keith Hall, Nova Scotia Museum of Science, Technical University of Nova Scotia, Dartmouth Heritage Museum, Gallery of Nova Scotia of Art (Coburg Road), and in the more recent years, the local Malls including the Halifax Shopping Centre, Maritime Centre, and the Park Lane Mall.
By 1961, when the Association was incorporated, the membership had grown to 58 members, including 7 associate members who came from various parts of the province. They too would exhibit in the annual shows.
In November of 1961, at the time of the incorporation, the name was changed to The Association of Atlantic Amateur Artists. This was to accommodate the Registry of Joint Stock owners. For many years the association grew to be recognized under this name.
Over the years, many members went on to enjoy success as professional artists, such as: Arthur Lloy, Tom Guinan and Jill Field Alexander, as well as Dr. Garth Vaughan. Since the beginning of the group, painting classes have been held each week during the Winter months, with a number of all-day workshops throughout the year. The association has had the honour of having many distinguished artists as instructors for these workshops, including: Professor John Repperteaux, John Cook, Al Riggs, Graham Baker, Mischa German VanEck, Arthur Lloy, Jean Hancock, Anthony Law and his wife Jane; and more recently, Eugenie Perry, Joan Robertson-Brown, Beverley Hubley, Heather Beaton, Liz Wilcox, and more.
All have given much to the Association, encouraging and helping where necessary, and each member receiving what he or she needed most to aid them in the advancement of their artwork.
As the oldest art society in Nova Scotia, AAAA, was established in 1956. In the early years, sketching trips were organized once a week during the Summer months, and proved to be very successful for those attending. But, of course, many of the members were in the work force and unable to attend afternoon outings.
At the end of painting sessions in March, the members prepared for their Annual Exhibition of paintings. This yearly event was looked forward too by members and the general public as well. Many of the artists have been fortunate enough to sell their artwork over the years, and these sold paintings can be found in homes and offices around the world.
In 1995, due to a tremendous input from the general public and a lot of quandary and decision by the members, the name of the Association was changed again. The public, and many members, did not like the use of the word "Amateur" in the original name. In order to keep the LOGO, which was designed by one of the founding members, Arthur Fisher, and the desire to keep this intact, the members decided on a new name. In March 1995, it was formally changed to The Association of Atlantic Area Artists. So, after these many years, two name changes, the AAAA is still together, a great organization recognized by many.
The AAAA has the distinction of being the oldest Art Group in the Province.
Presidents down through the years:
Current Presidents is: Lois Beaton
Presiding prior to Lois Beaton has been Christine Heggelin, Cheryl Hecimovich, Marshall Burgess, Jean Watson, Hazel Reid, and Gertrude Kinsman.
On April 12,1956, the Atlantic Amateur Artists Association was born, with the help of the then Major W. C. Borrett and Miss Bertha Robar. It was a long dream of Miss Robar's, to open an organization for artists to group together as she enjoyed painting herself but could find no place to exhibit her paintings. In the 1950's, there was one Gallery in Halifax, Zwicker's on Granville St., and it catered to serious or professional artists only. Because of this lack of space, and lack of interest in the amateur artist, a few people got together and formed this great association.
The membership consisted of seven people when it was formed: Major Borrett and Miss Robar, along with Captain W.E. Armit, William J. Latter, Roy Cullen, Miss Margaret Pope, and Arthur Fisher.
The main purpose of the Association was to promote and develop the amateur or beginning artist, sponsoring and encouraging the exchange of ideas, promoting companionship, enlisting aid for constructive criticism from qualified artists, and above all, loyalty to the association members, always endeavoring to maintain excellent relations with other artists and art organizations.
Since the very first year, 1956, the Association has held an annual exhibition of paintings, typically in the Spring of each year. These shows have been held in many prominent places, including the Halifax Memorial Library, Centennial Art Gallery (Citadel Hill, formerly the gun room), Province House, Keith Hall, Nova Scotia Museum of Science, Technical University of Nova Scotia, Dartmouth Heritage Museum, Gallery of Nova Scotia of Art (Coburg Road), and in the more recent years, the local Malls including the Halifax Shopping Centre, Maritime Centre, and the Park Lane Mall.
By 1961, when the Association was incorporated, the membership had grown to 58 members, including 7 associate members who came from various parts of the province. They too would exhibit in the annual shows.
In November of 1961, at the time of the incorporation, the name was changed to The Association of Atlantic Amateur Artists. This was to accommodate the Registry of Joint Stock owners. For many years the association grew to be recognized under this name.
Over the years, many members went on to enjoy success as professional artists, such as: Arthur Lloy, Tom Guinan and Jill Field Alexander, as well as Dr. Garth Vaughan. Since the beginning of the group, painting classes have been held each week during the Winter months, with a number of all-day workshops throughout the year. The association has had the honour of having many distinguished artists as instructors for these workshops, including: Professor John Repperteaux, John Cook, Al Riggs, Graham Baker, Mischa German VanEck, Arthur Lloy, Jean Hancock, Anthony Law and his wife Jane; and more recently, Eugenie Perry, Joan Robertson-Brown, Beverley Hubley, Heather Beaton, Liz Wilcox, and more.
All have given much to the Association, encouraging and helping where necessary, and each member receiving what he or she needed most to aid them in the advancement of their artwork.
As the oldest art society in Nova Scotia, AAAA, was established in 1956. In the early years, sketching trips were organized once a week during the Summer months, and proved to be very successful for those attending. But, of course, many of the members were in the work force and unable to attend afternoon outings.
At the end of painting sessions in March, the members prepared for their Annual Exhibition of paintings. This yearly event was looked forward too by members and the general public as well. Many of the artists have been fortunate enough to sell their artwork over the years, and these sold paintings can be found in homes and offices around the world.
In 1995, due to a tremendous input from the general public and a lot of quandary and decision by the members, the name of the Association was changed again. The public, and many members, did not like the use of the word "Amateur" in the original name. In order to keep the LOGO, which was designed by one of the founding members, Arthur Fisher, and the desire to keep this intact, the members decided on a new name. In March 1995, it was formally changed to The Association of Atlantic Area Artists. So, after these many years, two name changes, the AAAA is still together, a great organization recognized by many.
The AAAA has the distinction of being the oldest Art Group in the Province.
Presidents down through the years:
- 1956-58 Mr. William J. Latter
- 1958-59 Mrs. Marjorie Webber
- 1959-71 Miss. Bertha Robar
- 1971-75 Mrs. Gertrude Kinsman
- 1975 Mr. Charles Taylor
- 1975-81 Mr. D. Rae Smith
- 1981-85 Mr. Arthur Harrigan
- 1985-87 Mr. James Stout
- 1987-89 Mrs. Janet Jones
- 1989-91 Mrs. Hazel Reid
- 1991-93 Mrs. Leola Norris
- 1993-96 Mrs. Doris Horne
Current Presidents is: Lois Beaton
Presiding prior to Lois Beaton has been Christine Heggelin, Cheryl Hecimovich, Marshall Burgess, Jean Watson, Hazel Reid, and Gertrude Kinsman.