Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, Inc.
The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society was founded in 1935 when a group of artists and craftspersons met and drew up a constitution with the objective "to foster in the community a more active interest in the arts and crafts and to encourage higher artistic standards in the arts and handicrafts". In 1953, the Society was incorporated as a non-profit organization. For nearly twenty years after its founding, the Society carried on its activities in members' homes and in various public buildings in Lexington. Then, in 1953, the Society broke ground for its own building at 130 Waltham Street. Designed by a fellow member, Marjorie Pierce, this art center was built entirely through the efforts of Society members. The building was dedicated the next year, and the first exhibit and fair were held. Additions to the building were constructed in 1965 and 1973.The Society is currently composed of nine guilds: Basketry, Ceramics, Decorative Arts, Metalworkers, NeedleArts, Painters, Polymer Clay, Weavers and Woodworkers. There is also a group of Society Non-Guild members who support and participate in the Society.
Each guild has its own schedule of meetings, workshops, classes and seminars, as well as its own specialized tools and equipment. Artists and craftspersons are thus able to work in a community of artisans with similar interests, sharing ideas and expertise. Our building has a large painters studio, a ceramic studio with kilns, well-equipped woodworkers and metalworkers shops, and a weavers room with numerous looms. The Society's Minnie Seaver Library contains an impressive selection of arts and crafts books which are available to members.
A variety of exciting exhibits are mounted in our Parsons Gallery year-round by our own guilds, as well as by invited guest artists. Guild members have an opportunity to exhibit or sell their work at these gallery showings, which are open free of charge to the public.
Numerous classes, both day and evening, are offered to members and the general public from September through June at reasonable fees. The public is invited to our monthly reception, which is usually held the first or second Sunday of the month, and often includes a speaker/demonstration or entertainment.
Scholarships from an Art Scholarship Fund are available to graduating seniors from Lexington High School. In addition, our Scholarship Committee provides continuing support to scholarship recipients in furthering their art careers at accredited art institutions.
The Society has three annual sales, the October Annual Fair, December Holiday Marketplace and July/August Artisans Market, at which the public can purchase quality arts and crafts. Additionally, certain guilds hold their own annual sales.
There are four classifications of membership in the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society: Active, Society Non-Guild, Junior and Corporate. Most members are Active, producing artists and craftspersons belonging to a guild. Requirements for guild membership vary with each guild. Society Non-Guild members are persons who have an interest in the arts and crafts and a desire to participate in the Society, though not a guild. Junior Members (13-18 years of age) are persons who are interested in participating in classes and workshops. Corporate Members are corporations, companies and businesses who wish to be supportive of the aims, goals and objectives of the Society and whose membership donations recognize the Society as a service to the community.
Annual Society Dues: Guild Member $100; Non-Guild Member $60. Guild Dues are additional. An Orientation Meeting is required prior to becoming a member. For more information regarding membership, please contact us at 130 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA 02421, or telephone (781) 862-9696.
Please visit our website at: www.lexingtonma.org/LACS
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The Society is a non-profit regional education center dedicated to the preservation and promotion of excellence in both the traditional and contemporary arts and crafts. To this end the Society Shall:
Foster an environment that supports and inspires crafts people and artists.
Provide well-equipped work space.
Present opportunities for continued learning and enrichment.
Be an active force for the arts and Crafts in the larger community.
Nurture new generations of craftspeople and artist who will carry on these “living traditions”.
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The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society 130 Waltham Street Lexington, MA 02421 (781) 862-9696 |