History
The Sebastian River Art Club was formed in 1937 by a group of local artists. The group had been very progressive since its inception, enriching the community and its residents with the beauty of its fine art, and contributing to cultural and civic projects and events.
In 1972 a part of the existing group formed what is now called the Sebastian River Art Club, duly recognized by the city of Sebastian. In 2010 the Club moved into our present-day facility, adding the Art Center to its list offered amenities, and in 2016 the Club acquired its 501(c)3 non-profit status.
The Club currently serves the community and its members through education, philanthropy, exhibitions, social events, special programs, an art gallery and monthly meetings.
On October 23rd, 2017 we celebrated our 80th Anniversary, and as we look forward our classes are expanding and our list of amenities we offer to our members is growing. Our philanthropy also is greater than it was just last year. And so we look forward to creating more exciting events and projects for the betterment of our membership and the community.
Past Presidents
Garnet Hanshaw - 1972-1973
Sanja Lee Beckett - 1974-1975
Kitty Dalrymple - 1975-1976
Garnet Hanshaw - 1977
Nita Allard - 1978
Marion Seafoss - 1980
Kathleen Lyons - 1981
Eleanor Ford - 1982-1983
Marion Searfoss - 1987-1990
Richard Dougherty - 1991-1992
Joan McAllister - 1993-1994
Dorothy Smith - 1995
Richard Dougherty - 1996-1997
Robert Ritenour - 1998
Alice Russell - 1990-2000
Bonnie Sabich - 2001 (Partial year)
Barbara Bonnah - 2001 (Partial year)
Barbara Bonnah - 2002
Alice Russell - 2003-2004
Richard Dougherty - 2006
Mary E. Rahmig - 2007-2008
Richard Gillmor - 2009-2012
Judy McNamara - 2013-2016
Judy Burgarella - 2017 - 2018
Donna Ware - 2018
Judy McNamara - 2019
Richard Gillmor - 2019-2020
Donna Ware - 2021-2023
Rosalee Taylor Hume Scholarship Recipients
The Rosalee Taylor Hume Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 by the Sebastian River Art Club to recognize and honor Rosalee, one of its founding members.
Rosalee Hume was not only a superb painting artist, but also a gifted sculptress. Rosalee sculpted the beautiful bronze statue of Paul Kroegel, the first Warden of the National Wildlife Preserve (Pelican Island), that stands on Indian River Drive, across from Riverview Park. The North Indian River County Library proudly displays a bust of Bama Vickers Lawson, who moved with her parents to Sebastian in 1908, and became a noted resident through her milliner - dressmaker business, her efforts on behalf of the community, and for her extensive personal library, which was donated to the Women's Club of Sebastian following her death in 1985 at the age of 103.
Two $1,000 scholarships are open to graduating seniors from Sebastian River High School and Indian River Charter High School, who are pursuing a career in the arts, and have been involved in art classes during their high school years. The Scholarships are based on student's desire to pursue a future career in the arts, their artistic abilities, financial need, art teacher's input, extracurricular activities, and a written commentary by the applicant. Applications are submitted in early Spring and and recipients are chosen soon thereafter.
Funds are raised during the year through donations and various fundraisers organized by Club members. It is our hope to increase the amounts awarded each year. When planning for your charitable giving, please consider this very worthy cause. The Sebastian River Art Club is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, and so your donation will be tax-deductible.
Remember . . . Artists help make the world a more beautiful place!