Mary Claggett never realized her dream of helping establish an art and cultural center in Medina County, but her unceasing activity planted the seed in the minds of local artists. In 1958, she founded the not-for-profit Medina County Art League. She remained as president until 1970 when Jeanne Nichols became president.

 

The League's purpose has always been the promotion of an active interest in the arts, conduct and participate in art shows and aiding students of Medina County in obtaining further education in the arts. We have been a continual supporter of community events and receptive to requests for participation.

 

Every summer in July the League sponsors Art In The Park around the Gazebo at the Medina Square with 130 local and visiting fine artists, juried awards, and scholarship tent where artists contribute select pieces to help raise funds that are then awarded in March of each year to several deserving seniors starting college in the fall with an emphasis in Art.

 

History

 

A Picket Fence Show in the uptown park in 1961 foreshadowed our aforementioned Art in the Park.

 

Early Meetings were held in member's homes, at the high school cafeteria or in the art room. In 1972, they moved to the Nichols Community Room. In 2002, they moved to the newly established Grace Drake Center for the Performing Arts and most recently, in 2009, moved to the A.I. Root Meeting Room.

 

Projects of the league have included decorating the children's room at Medina County Hospital, art shows and scholarships for high school students, and annual art shows for members. Meetings have featured demonstrations of painting techniques, crafts, jewelry, silk-screen, welding, photography, and flower arranging. Critiques have been held to evaluate members' work.

 

The Medina County Art League was incorporated in 1973.