Guide to the Santa Cruz Art League Collection (1919-1993)

Archives and paper memorabilia from the Santa Cruz Art League. Including general membership meetings minutes, board meetings minutes, and treasurer’s reports from 1919 to 1985 (non inclusive), administrative notes, correspondence, league procedures, membership rosters, notices of scholarship awards, Beaux Arts Balls committee meeting minutes, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, California Statewide Exhibits rosters and advertisements, obituaries of officers and members, gallery attendance record book, gallery exhibit brochures, photographs, and Santa Cruz County Art Club membership rosters and meeting minutes.

Santa Cruz Art League, Inc. is a non-profit organization of artists and laymen, formed October 11, 1919. The purpose of the league was “To develop and foster a higher standard of art and a greater appreciation of it, and to encourage cooperation and comradeship among its members; to maintain a permanent gallery, thereby encouraging the production and sale of works of art. To forward all interests tending to artistic development and love for the beautiful in the individual and the social and civic life of Santa Cruz.” (Santa Cruz Art League, Constitution Title (Santa Cruz, Calif.: Santa Cruz Art League, date)) Frank Heath was elected the first President, Margaret Rogers, vice president, Virginia Arthur, secretary, and Cyril Dean, treasurer. Collections of work by League artists were exhibited throughout the state in many galleries, local businesses, and museums. These exhibits were well received by the public.

In 1928, the League sponsored the first juried annual Statewide Art Exhibit. One thousand dollars was given to the League by S. Waldo Coleman for cash awards. In the 1930’s, the League grew in numbers, financial worth, and recognition. The cause of the League was “to stimulate a greater appreciation of traditional art … to promote county-wide annual observance of “American Art Week” and to advertise this area as an artist’s dream.” (2 Huebner, Walter J., [n.d.]. The Santa Cruz Art League, Inc.: Those Who Went Before.)  In 1947, L. E. DeJoiner succeeded Margaret Rogers as President and using accumulated gifts and donations, the League purchased the lot at 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, California. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the building were held on May 10, 1949 and the present galleries were dedicated July 1, 1951. In the following months, the League activities were primarily dedicated to fundraising activities to support the expenses of the building project, including tea parties and clothesline art sales. One of the most remembered of these activities was the annual Beaux Arts Ball, held 1953 through 1958. The Beaux Arts Ball was a themed masquerade ball that included music, decorations, a costume parade and prizes. The expenses of the building project far exceeded the income that could be generated through art sales and fundraising events. In 1951, the necessary financial assistance was provided by Mr. and Mrs. F. T. Roseberry (a loan of $12,000) with the proviso that the “The Last Supper” be housed in an Art League gallery. This artwork is a life size, wax reproduction of DaVinci’s painting, created for Harry Liston by Madame Stubergh and her daughter Katharine Stubergh, of the Stubergh Mannequin Company. The Last Supper Citizens Committee was formed and the artwork was purchased by the Santa Cruz Art League from Liston for $20,000. The exhibit attracted thousands of people, and the income generated by donations was enough to eventually pay off the loan. The work of the League has continued uninterrupted for decades. However, there was one significant period of controversy regarding the style of art to be represented by the League. In February and March of 1981, a proposal was made “concerning the allowance of non-traditional forms of artistic expression and the relationship of these forms of creativity to the future role of the League.” (3 The Santa Cruz Art League, Inc. in the Jim Price Papers, compiled by Iulus A. McCullough, curator) The ensuing discussion resulted in a vote of the membership regarding the inclusion of abstract art, legal interpretation of the text of the Constitution, followed by the resignation of Dorothy J. Rose, President and Millie Piraino, Vice President. “In August of 1990, “The Last Supper” was transferred to the Santa Cruz Memorial Park and Funeral Home. In the intervening years, the mission of the League has been modified to function as an agent for the artistic experience. At the time of this writing, The Santa Cruz Art League has an active membership, gallery, theater, classroom, and gift shop, and continues to sponsor the Annual Statewide Exhibition.

Sources:

Constitution of the Art League, June 5, 1929.
Central County News. ”Tourist Landmark.” April 25, 1965, 19.
Huebner, Walter J. “The Last Supper Project Now Seven Years Old.” Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 4, 1958, 7.
Koch, Margaret. [n.d.]. “They Built a League and a Gallery.” Santa Cruz History, Arts. Santa Cruz Public Library http://www.santacruzpl.org/history/articles/410 (accessed October 24, 2010).
Neubauer, Bill. “Art League Building 30 Years Old.” Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 1, 1986, 10. 7 Rawson, Laura. “SC Art League Marks 10 Years In New Galleries.” Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 29, 1961, 6.
San Jose Evening News. “The Last Supper.” June 4, 1951, Editorial Page.
Santa Cruz Art League. http://www.scal.org (accessed September 14, 2010).
The Santa Cruz Art League, Inc. in the Jim Price Papers, compiled by Iulus A. McCullough, curator
“The Santa Cruz Art League, Inc.: Those Who Went Before” by Walt J. Huebner
(In the Jim Price Papers) Unpublished.
Walker, T. Mike. Santa Cruz Art League: 90 Years of History. Santa Cruz: Santa Cruz Art League, 2009.

October 11,   1919	Santa Cruz   Art League founded
September 2,   1922	Margaret   Rogers became President of the League, a position she held for 24 years.
1928	First juried   annual Statewide Art Exhibit
1947	League   purchased lot at 526 Broadway, Santa Cruz, Calif.
1948-49	Dr. John D.   Fuller, President
1949	Groundbreaking   ceremony for Gallery; League incorporated as a non-profit 501c (3)   educational institution
1950-51	Lillian   Huebner, President, Last Supper Citizens Committee formed to purchase “The   Last Supper” exhibit
July 1, 1951	Galleries   dedicated, and “The Last Supper” exhibit installed
1951-1952	Ralph Gray,   President
1953-1958	Beaux Arts   Balls
1983-1984	The Last   Supper Citizen Committee abandoned, and the “ Last Supper” exhibit came under   the conditional ownership of the League
1987-1988	Jim Price,   President
August, 1990	“The Last   Supper” moved to Santa Cruz Memorial Park and Funeral Home

This collection is organized into 7 series as follows:

SERIES I: ADMINISTRATIVE PAPERS, 1919-1985

SUBSERIES A: GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS MINUTES, BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES, TREASURER’S REPORTS, 1919-1985
SUBSERIES B: MEMBERSHIP ROSTERS, 1949-1985
SUBSERIES C: RECORD BOOK OF GALLERY ATTENDANCE, 1956-1967
SUBSERIES D: DOCUMENTS PERTINENT TO THE ABSTRACT ART CONTROVERSY, 1981
SUBSERIES E: ASSESSOR’S MAP (“REV. MAY 1961”) AND LANDSCAPING AGREEMENT (N.D.)

SERIES II: PERSONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS BY OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ART LEAGUE, 1949-1990

SUBSERIES A: WALTER J. HUEBNER PAPERS, 1951-1980
SUBSERIES B: JIM PRICE PAPERS, 1949-1990

SERIES III: EXHIBITION, ART SALES, FUNDRAISERS AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, 1955-1991

SUBSERIES A: GENERAL EXHIBIT AND ART SALES PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, 1960-1991
SUBSERIES B: CALIFORNIA STATEWIDE ART EXHIBIT, 1955-1991
SUBSERIES C: BEAUX ARTS BALLS COMMITTEE PAPERS, 1953-1957

SERIES IV: SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ART CLUB, 1957-1971

SUBSERIES A: ADMINISTRATIVE PAPERS, MEMBERSHIP ROSTERS AND MEETING MINUTES, 1958-1962
SUBSERIES B: LILLIAN HUEBNER PAPERS, 1957-1971

SERIES V: PHOTOGRAPHS, CIRCA 1960-1970

SERIES VI: NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS BY DECADE, 1930-1993

SERIES VII: SCRAPBOOKS, 1938-1977

SERIES I.  ADMINISTRATIVE PAPERS, 1919-1985 (NON-INCLUSIVE)

Twenty-six (26) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes the documentation of the history and administration of the Santa Cruz Art League 1919-1985, including By-Laws, Board Rules, the Constitution and papers pertinent to significant events and programs developed by the League and individuals who supported and served the League,

This series is organized both chronologically and by provenance

This series is divided into 4 subseries.

Subseries I.A General Membership Meeting minutes, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, Treasurer’s Reports, 1919-1985
Subseries I.B Membership Rosters, 1949-1985
Subseries I.C Gallery Attendance, 1956-1967
Subseries I.D Documents Pertinent to the Abstract Art Controversy, 1981
Subseries I.E Assessor’s Map and Landscaping Agreement

Subseries I.A.  General Membership Meeting Minutes, Board of Directors Meeting Minutes, Treasurer’s Reports, 1919-1985

Seventeen (17) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes manuscript and typescript minutes of the monthly general membership and Board of Directors meetings, and the Treasurer’s reports from 1919-1985 removed from original binders.

1:1 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1919-1929, typescript Constitution and By-Laws, dated June 5, 1929
1:2 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1930-1933
1:3 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports,1938-1943; typescript Constitution revision signed by Lillian Howard, n.d., and type- script By-Laws, n.d.
1:4 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1944-1947
1:5 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1948-1951; correspondence to and from Ralph N. Gray, 1951 regarding resignation from the office of President
2:6 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1951-1954
2:7 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1955-1959; County First Savings Bank, Santa Cruz, Calif. bank book (October 1, 1954-February 10, 1960); correspondence to Glenn E. Coolidge, State Assemblyman regarding state tax waiver (1955-1956)
2:8 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1960
2:9 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1961-1963; County Bank of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, Calif. bank book (February 23, 1960- June 1, 1963); list of contents of deposit box as of May 15, 1956
2:10 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1964-1966
2:11 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1968-1969
3:12 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1969-1970
3:13 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1972-1975
3:14 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1976-1978
3:15 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1979-1980
3:16 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1981-1983
3:17 – Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports, 1984-1985

Subseries I.B.  Membership Rosters, 1949-1985

Six (6) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes membership rosters 1949-1985 non-inclusive

4:18 – Membership Rosters, June 4, 1949, 1950 April 1957
4:19 – Membership Rosters, 1960, 1962, 1964-1965, 1966, 1968
4:20 – Membership Roster, Board 1969-1970
4:21 – Membership Rosters, 1970-1971, 1972-1973, 1974-1975, 1975- 1976
4:22 – Membership Rosters, 1977-1978, 1978-1979
4:23 – Membership Rosters, 1980, 1981-1982, 1982-1983, 1985

Subseries I.C.  Gallery Attendance, 1956-1967

One (1) folder

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries contains the official Record Book of Gallery Attendance: total count of visitors 1956-1967

4:24 – Record Book of Gallery Attendance

Subseries I.D.  Documents Pertinent to the Abstract Art Controversy, 1981

One (1) folder

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries contains resignation letters and other correspondence, newspaper clippings, and photocopies of meeting minutes pertinent to the discussion regarding restrictions on the display of abstract art in the Art League galleries, 1981. Includes two copies of “Communist Conspiracy in Art Threatens American Museums,” speech of Hon. George A. Dondero of Michigan, in the House of Representatives, March 17, 1952, Congressional Record, 996380-42567.

4:25 – Documents Pertinent to the Abstract Art Controversy, 1981

Subseries I.E.  Assessor’s Map and Landscaping Agreement

One (1) folder

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries contains Assessors Map (“Rev. May 1961”) and Landscaping Agreement (n.d.)

4:26 – Assessors Map (“Rev. May 1961”) and Landscaping Agreement (n.d.)

SERIES II.  PERSONAL HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS BY OFFICERS OR MEMBERS OF THE ART LEAGUE, 1949-1980 NON-INCLUSIVE

Twenty-four (24) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes memoirs, brochures, photographs, newspaper clippings, and manuscripts written and collected by Walter J. Huebner, member of the League and Jim Price, President of the League 1987-1988.

This series is organized by provenance.

This series is divided into 2 subseries

Subseries II. A Walter J. Huebner Papers, 1949-1980
Subseries II. B Jim Price Papers, 1949-1990

Subseries II.A.  Walter J. Huebner Papers, 1951-1980 non-inclusive

Two (2) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes correspondence manuscripts, drafts of speeches and articles written and collected by Walter J. Huebner.

5:27 – Drafts, speeches, and articles about the history of the Art League, received from Gloria Huebner
5:28 – “The Last Supper”: Manuscript and typescript pages (circa 1951) pertinent to the history of the acquisition of “The Last Supper” by the Art League; newspaper clippings, copy of the lease agreement between Santa Cruz Art League and Santa Cruz Citizens Committee (1951); Constitution and By-Laws as of October 1955

Subseries II.B.  Jim Price Papers, 1949-1990 non-inclusive

Eleven (11) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes memoirs, brochures, photographs and correspondence collected by Jim Price in 1987.

5:29 – Correspondence regarding non-profit status written by John Fuller, President, Santa Cruz Art League, 1949
5:30 – Photocopy of the playbill for “Story of the Prodigal Son, the original presentation by Cor DeGavere in 14 tableau silhouette scenes,” a benefit for the Santa Cruz Art League, 1951
5:31 – Photocopy of exhibit catalog entitled “Art and Artists in Santa Cruz: A Historic Survey” June 22 – August 15,1973, presented by Santa Cruz City Museum at The Octagon Museum, Cooper Street, San Jose
5:32 – Photocopy of exhibit catalog: “Frederick William Billing: 19th century landscape paintings, Santa Cruz Public Library, June 28- September 9, 1975, presented by the Santa Cruz City Museum
5:33 – Photocopies of letters of resignation by Dorothy J. Rose, President and Millie Piraino, Vice President written during the controversy over abstract art, photocopies of legal documents, and proxy votes by members, 1981
5:34 – Centennial Showcase #1, black and white photographs, 1986
5:35 – Photocopies of historical manuscripts and documents, identified as “The Santa Cruz Art League in its Community” compiled by Jim Price in 1987, including: an article titled “Santa Cruz Art League, Inc.” compiled by Iulus A. McCullough, curator; membership rosters (n.d.); 1960 Santa Cruz Art League Roster; contract for a painting to be donated by Claude Buck, artist (1949); text of a speech by Margaret Rogers (1960); Santa Cruz Art League Inc. Bulletin (March, 1987); Past Presidents of the Santa Cruz Art League 1919-1965, letter from Dorothy C. Miller to June Baker regarding memories of the Santa Cruz Art League (1984); announcement from Philip S. Breck, Jr., General Manager of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce proclaiming Art Week (1947); Letter addressed to Mr. President regarding the recent history of the League and addressing criticism of the installation of “The Last Supper” as an exhibit in the League gallery and recommendations for motions for actions (unsigned, n.d.); certificate of incorporation and legal document (County Clerk’s index no. 1575) issued by the State of California, Frank Jordan, Secretary of State, March 4,1949.
5:36 – Photocopies of articles by Walter J. Huebner about the history of the League
5:37 – Letter of intent regarding retrospective exhibition of Frank and Lillian Heath paintings during February 1987; photocopies of two articles (“Toward Artistic Development: The Legacy of Frank and Lillian Heath” and “Frank and Lillian Pioneered Santa Cruz Art League”) by Margaret Koch; biographical chronology of Frank and Lillian Heath
5:38 – Brochures, newspaper clippings, black and white photographs, postcards about “The Last Supper,” (1951-1990); carbon copy of the By-Laws of Last Supper Citizens Committee, Inc. (unsigned 1972); fund raising letter from The Last Supper Citizens Committee (n.d.)
5:39 – Black and white photographs and negatives of ground breaking ceremony, art sales, exhibit installations, “The Last Supper,” color photographs of gallery building, furniture and grounds, Christmas cards from Margaret E. Rogers, photocopy of the Constitution of the League (n.d.), flyer from the Beaux Arts Ball, 1957; Santa Cruz Art League promotional postcards, membership application (n.d.); “History of Santa Cruz Art League Galleries” by Margaret E. Rogers (32 p. pamphlet, n.d.)

SERIES III.  EXHIBITION, ART SALES, FUNDRAISERS, AND PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS, 1955- 1991 NON-INCLUSIVE

Three (3) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes brochures and announcements for the exhibits and events sponsored by the League.

This series is divided into 3 series.

Subseries III.A General exhibit and art sales promotional materials, 1960-1991
Subseries III.B California Statewide Art Exhibit. 1955-1991
Subseries III.C Beaux Arts Ball Committee Papers, 1953-1957

Subseries III.A.  General exhibit and art sales promotional materials, 1960-1991

Seven (7) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes advertisements and promotional materials for exhibits and events at the League, Art League Theater, and “Remarkable Artist Series.”

6:40 – Promotional materials for exhibits, brochures for theater productions, 1960 -1991. Includes two copies of catalog entitled “Frank and Lillian Heath : Towards Artistic Development, (title from cover, n.d.)
6:41 – Guidebook for Open Studios, sponsored by the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, 1990 and 1991
6:42 – Receipts, correspondence, list of paintings sold, etc., pertinent to the Summer Sale, 1959, a fundraiser for the League.

Subseries III.B.  California Statewide Annual Art Exhibit, 1955-1991

Two (2) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This series includes invitations to artists, promotional materials, etc., pertinent to the annual California Statewide Art Exhibit. This competition and exhibition, which began in 1928 has continued to be a premier art event, and is known for high standards of acceptance. Prizes are awarded.

6:43 – California Statewide Art Exhibit, 1955-1963
6:44 – California Statewide Art Exhibit, 1964-1991

Subseries III.C.  Beaux Arts Ball Committee Papers, 1953-1957

One (1) folder

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series contains the planning documents of the Beaux Arts Ball. Includes committee meeting minutes, treasurer’s reports, promotional materials, and newspaper clippings. This fundraiser, which was a themed masquerade ball, was a very popular social event in Santa Cruz.

7:45 – Beaux Arts Ball Committee Papers, 1953, 1954, from portfolio labeled “Beaux”
7:46 – Beaux Arts Ball Committee Papers, 1957, 1958, from portfolio labeled “Beaux”

SERIES IV.  SANTA CRUZ COUNTY ART CLUB, 1958-1962 NON-INCLUSIVE

Seven (7) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes the administrative papers of the Santa Cruz County Art Club and the papers and memorabilia of Lillian Huebner, officer of the club.

This series is organized chronologically.

This series is subdivided into two subseries.

Subseries IV.A Membership Rosters and Meeting Minutes, 1958-1962
Subseries IV.B Lillian Huebner papers, notes and correspondence, 1957-1971

Subseries IV.A.  Administrative Papers, Membership Rosters and Meeting Minutes, 1958-1962

Two (2) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes the membership rosters and meeting minutes.

7:47 Santa Cruz County Art Club, Membership Rosters, 1958, 1962
8:48 Santa Cruz County Art Club, Minutes, 1958-1960, 1960-1962, Constitution and By-Laws of the Santa Cruz County Art Club: President’s Book (1963), Santa Cruz County Art Club C.F.W.C. [California Federation of Women’s Clubs] 1960-1961 Report.

Subseries IV.B.  Lillian Huebner Papers, 1957-1971

Five (5) folders

Subseries Scope and Content Summary

This subseries includes the personal notes and memorabilia of Lillian Huebner, officer of the club

8:49 Notes, correspondence, newspaper clippings 1965-1971, including carbon copy of Resolution by the members of the Santa Cruz County Art Club against “vulgarity in art and pornographic magazines,” dated November 4, 1965; The Student Illustrator: A Magazine For Art Students, vol. 1, no. 3, [1916?]; California Clubwoman: the Magazine of the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, December 1964, and correspondence regarding the Report of Malta Shrine, Supreme Material Objective, 1965.
8:50 Santa Cruz Art League general meeting notes March 1968- December 1971; Santa Cruz Woman’s Club Report, Penny Art, Chair 1964-1965
8:51 Form letters sent by jurors for the Art League gallery, Minutes and Standing Rules for the Art League and other documents regarding procedures written by Iulus McCullough, Parliamentarian of the Santa Cruz Art League (1958), financial documents, rosters of the Board of Directors 1963, 1964, committee notes and correspondence for the 1969 Santa Cruz Art League Sponsor Show.
8:52 Newspaper clippings about art and artists in Santa Cruz, California 1952-1966, including some columns written by Walt J. Huebner.
8:53 Needs description

SERIES V.  PHOTOGRAPHS (N.D.)

Three (3) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes black and white and color photographs of League events and League members and guests.

9:50 Black and white photographs of artists and artwork, for newspaper articles and promotional materials about the Art League ca. 1960- 1980
9:51 Two (2) Italian postcards of “The Last Supper”(one dated 1904), black and white photographs of a fashion show event (n. d.), photocopy of newspaper articles announcing winners of 1986 statewide exhibition, and black and white photographs for newspaper articles and promotional materials about the Art League, ca. 1960-1980.
9:52 60th Anniversary (removed from album)

SERIES VI.  NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS BY DECADE, 1930-1993

Nine (9) folders

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes newspaper clippings from local newspapers regarding League sponsored events, art sales and demonstrations, exhibits and some obituaries of members.

This series is arranged chronologically by decade.

10:53 Newspaper Clippings, 1930’s
10:54 Newspaper Clippings, 1940’s
10:55 Newspaper Clippings, 1950’s
10:56 Newspaper Clippings, 1960’s
10:57 Newspaper Clippings, 1970’s
10:58 Newspaper Clippings, 1980’s
10:59 Newspaper Clippings, 1980’s
10:60 Newspaper Clippings, 1992-1993
10:61 Newspaper Clippings, (n.d.)

SERIES VII.  SCRAPBOOKS, 1938-1984

Four (4) folders
Two (2) boxes

Series Scope and Content Summary

This series includes scrapbooks compiled by unidentified League members or officers. The scrapbooks contain newspaper clippings of League events, art sales, promotions, correspondence, and photographs.

This series is arranged

11:62 Archival photocopies of scrapbook of newspaper clippings, 1975- 1977. Original scrapbook discarded for preservation reasons.
11:63 Newspaper clippings 1968-1973 including articles about the 1973 43rd Annual Statewide Exhibit (removed from binder)
11:64 Black and white photograph of Santa Cruz Historical Society, Inc. window display, Heritage days, 1964 and newspaper clippings 1973-1981 (removed from binder)
11:65 Newspaper clippings, 1981-1984 (removed from binder marked “Crochet Books”)

Box 12

Scrapbook Beaux Arts Ball newspaper clippings 1954, newspaper articles about the activities of the League 1947-1969
Scrapbook Beaux Arts Ball, newspaper clippings and correspondence collected by Kathleen Turbett, General Chairman 1953-1954

Box 13

Scrapbook Beaux Arts Ball, Santa Cruz Art League 1951-1961
Scrapbook Newspaper clippings 1938-1965