ABOUT US

Twenty-two creative-minded people formed the Payson Art League in 1978.  At present, there are over 100 members, proficient in a variety of media.  We offer workshops by accomplished artists and monthly meetings, at which demonstrations by experienced artists are given. 

 
Our purpose is to present the most creative fine art and fine craft to the general public through our programs. 

 
We support art education in area schools by providing art materials and classroom art experience to students of all grade levels.  In 2006 we purchased art materials for the children’s program at the “Shining the Light in Pine” art show, which featured a celebration of dyslexic artists.

 
Our art raffle proceeds from “Neath the Rim” artist shows go directly to school programs.

We also welcome corporate sponsors to aid in supporting the school programs.

                                 ARTS IN OUR CLASSROOMS

The arts:  music, poetry, painting, sculpture, writing, etc. are all a vital force to the subsistence of our human spirit.  Our children need exposure to the arts to enlighten, inspire and teach grace, temperament, skills, self worth, appreciation for life, respect for nature, and so much more!  To dismiss this understanding and allow art programs to be dropped or narrowed on our educational systems would be a disgrace and a dishonor to some of the most positive creations in humanity.  Now more than ever we should promote the arts in our schools and YOU can help to do so by volunteering your time, asking what is needed and pass on your talents to our future generation.

 
The Payson Art League through its education committee is involved many ways in our community’s schools and with special needs children.  The following describes some of the areas of our involvement:

 
Payson Art League has purchased art materials for:

Payson Head Start, Julia Randall Elementary, Frontier Elementary, Payson Community Christian School, The Shelby School (Tonto Village), Wolf Impressions (Enrichment at Frontier Elementary, Payson Center for Success, Marcy Rogers and Payson Community Kids, Tonto Basin School and Whispering Hope Ranch.

 
Payson Art league also purchased art “how to” books for three schools.  The education committee is mentoring a number of students at the Center for Success as well as providing hands-on art activities in various elementary schools.  The league provide art materials for the children’s program at the art show “shinning the Light in Pine”, a celebration of dyslexic artists in May 2006.

 
In cooperation with Frontier Elementary and the Zane Grey Cabin Foundation, the committee has developed an addition to the forth grade Arizona History text.  This deals with ranching in AZ, Zane Grey and the rim country.  PAL is providing necessary art materials for this program.

 
The only way that PAL and its committees can continue to function is through members volunteering their time and sharing their knowledge, expertise and ideas. 

 
Please consider being a volunteer and contact the leagues education committee director Pat Sessions or one of the Board members on the Contact us page.  

 
You can also contact Whispering Hope Ranch at (928) 478-03399 to get information on their volunteer program.  You can also go to their website:  www.whisperinghope ranch.org .