The Chautauqua County Society of Artists

The CCSA has a rich history dating back over two centuries.  It began in 1888 with Roger Tory Peterson, his friend Ernst Anderson and a few others.  They spent much time drawing and creating works of art.  The group grew and in the early 1900's Catherine Holms organized the group called the Jamestown Sketch Club. An article in the August 1934 issue of the Chautauquan Daily defined the club as "an organization that recognized the importance of art as an avocation in the era of readjustment to the increased leasure time created by the technological development of the last few decades.'"In 1936, Mrs. Stanley Weeks assisted the group in writing bylaws and a constitution then becoming the Chautauqua County Society of Artists.  That also was the first year "Art in the Park" was held.  CCSA was the first group of it's type to hold an outdoor show of original artists works.  It was held in Dow Park behind the Prendergast Library. Many artists, too numerous to mention, have graced the society with their talent and dedication to perpetuating art and it's appreciation.  The Annual "Art in the Park" outdoor show is just a small testament to the never ending loyalty the group's members share.

Officers

Elaine Caflisch~President

Sally Jones ~ V. President-Treasurer

Carole Norberg~Historian

Denise Snyder-Norberg~Web            Hostess