Milwaukee Art Center

An outgrowth of the Milwaukee Art Association, the Milwaukee Art Society was reorganized in 1909 by civic leaders and a nucleus of the Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors, Inc. in the city of Milwaukee. The Society's mission was to display exhibitions, create a permanent collection, and provide fine arts education to the public. Industrialist Charles Allis was named the first president and Frederick Layton the first vice-president. Membership in the newly formed American Federation of Arts gained access to national traveling exhibitions ca. 1911. A hallmark exhibition "The Modern Spirit" was organized by the society's first director, Dudley Crafts Watson. Professional and community organizations held their exhibitions and productions at the society's newly purchased building on Jefferson Street. Initial groups included Wisconsin Painters and Sculptors and Society of Applied Arts (Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council).

From the description of Records, 1909-1915. (Library Council of Metropolitan Milwaukee). WorldCat record id: 25027572

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