HISTORY
History Permanent Collection
Through the Years
The ancient city of St. Augustine has an art history dating back to the Flagler era of the late 1800s, when oil tycoon Henry Flagler enticed New York and New England artists to town to enhance the cultural experience for wealthy visitors. Interest in the arts ebbed and flowed over the years as renowned American artists passed through the area each time the art scene reached a heyday, some to return and make their permanent homes in St. Augustine.
The St. Augustine Art Association emerged as part of local art history in 1924 when a young woman editor of The St. Augustine Record gathered dedicated artists and writers together to form a group, first calling itself "The Galleon Club." Through several fits and starts and a small series of name changes, the club ultimately identified itself as the St. Augustine Art Association.
The wider St. Augustine area is now home to a vast number of artists ranging from amateurs and students to top professionals. The Art Association, holding a permanent collection and with a constantly growing membership, serves as the premier art center among scores of local artists.
Art Center Building
The Art Association was housed in various locations before ground was broken for the present gallery on the celbration of the city's 388th birthday, September 8, 1953. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tiberio donated funds for the expanded North and South Gallery wings, named in honor of Faith Tiberio's mother, Marguerita Phillips, an artist and early member of the St. Augustine Art Association.
The beautiful 5,000 square foot facility is located steps from the bay front along a brick lined street in the Old Town quarter of St. Augustine's Historic District.
