About Us
The Wyoming Valley Art League was established in 1954. The organization began as a small group initiated by Caroline Williams and Marjory Smith both local artists who shared a studio space in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Talks between the two women prompted a desire to start a group for local artists where they could convene and share their work and ideas. The group was known initially as the Wyoming Valley Art Group. Anyone with an interest in painting was encouraged to join for a minimal fee.
Kathryn Beecher was voted in as the first elected President. The first home of the WVAG existed in the Deemer’s building on West Market Street. The two founding members Williams and Smith shared their studio in the front space of the 5th floor with the group taking the loft space in the back.
As the momentum and interest grew, it was decided to hold a meeting in the annex of the Osterhout Library on S. Franklin Street. An announcement was placed in the local paper in December of 1954 that invited anyone interested in forming an art league to attend the meeting. Sixty people responded and attended. At that time, officers were then elected, and the Wyoming Valley Art League was officially launched.
The Osterhout annex became the regular meeting place for the group and served as an exhibition space as well. With the outpouring of interest from the meetings, it was decided that the WVAL would become incorporated and establish by-laws. It was through the dedication and passion of local artists that saw the birth of this organization.
The WVAL is now going on its 70th year in existence. There have been many changes in leadership along the way and new locations serving as home. There are so many people to thank for their time and service, attempting to list them all would take way too long. However, there is one individual, Edith Reynolds, that the WVAL owes a debt of gratitude to. Edith Reynolds was not only a member & board member, but she became the league’s benefactor and set up a trust that has allowed the league to survive and flourish.
Today the WVAL owes its new home to her generosity. After many searches for a permanent home, the league found and purchased the former Luzerne County Medical Society building on S. Franklin Street. It is a historic and architectural gem. Its aesthetic and cultural significance in downtown Wilkes-Barre makes it a wonderful home for the WVAL.
The Wyoming Valley Art League’s commitment to bringing art and culture to the Wyoming Valley is stronger than ever. With the addition of more physical space to work with, the WVAL is looking forward to including multi-disciplinary programming from Visual Arts to Performing Arts. The mission of the Wyoming Valley Art League is to provide and foster artistic expression and Cultural exchange. The WVAL’s goal is to connect artists and the community. And to bring them together to engage in an open exchange of learning, sharing, and advocating for the arts in our community.