The Gainesville Fine Arts Association was formed in 1923 by three close friends (Mrs F.W. Buchholtz, Miss Nelly Trezerant and Mrs. C. Addison Pound) to "foster and encourage the study of the Arts theoretically and practically through every medium." During its early years, it brought exhibits to the city and presented art lectures. The programs offered were varied: Furniture, Interior Decorating, Fine Arts, Oriental Rugs, etc. In 1926 the group presented a Living Pictures Tableaux. The members dressed and posed in costumes representing paintings of that era; Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Henry Raeburn, John Paul Sargent and others. The Association's monthly meetings were held on the second floor of the Thomas Hotel.
In 1934 a studio of three rooms was rented at 131 Union Street (on the south side of the "square"). Traveling exhibitions and classes were taught there. In December of 1936 Gainesville's first ARTMART was held on the Square. The questions asked were, "Do the people of Gainesville know their artists? Do Gainesville artists know their public?"
Continuing through the war years and the growth of the 1950's, the Association kept to its original goal. They offered painting classes for adults, children's classes, sidewalk art shows, art jamborees and auctions, and children's exhibits. The first Newsletter was sent out in 1963. The Gainesville Mall Show started in 1968 and Oaks Mall Show in 1978. Throughout the sixties and seventies, the association held exhibits in the public library, Plaza Theatre, Off-Campus Housing Office, Elementary School Libraries and the Main Post Office.
In 1973 the Association was re-chartered by the state of Florida and granted tax exempt, non-profit status in 1978. In 1979 the Members' Show was held in the renovated Thomas Center and the monthly meetings were held in the Spanish Court. In 1985 the Thornebrook Shopping Village hosted the “Outdoor Autumn Show” which has grown into the successful and exciting "Art Festival At Thornebrook" we have today. Over the years, GFAA has steadily contributed to the art scene in Gainesville. Today, GFAA organizes several shows and exhibits throughout the year, publishes a newsletter featuring the work of member artists, provides interesting and informative programs for its monthly membership meetings, and has begun fundraising and other necessary planning to establish an Art Center for Gainesville.
