Our History

In 1963, a small group of women drew on their love of the fine arts and sat down in a living room to develop what is now known as the Gaston County Art Guild (GCAG).  The official date of the non-profit organization was 1965.  The GCAG’s purpose was to enable those interested in the arts to assemble and participate in community activities for the advancement of visual art.  The goals of the Art Guild have not changed over the years but the details continue to morph.  

The Guild’s first art show debuted in the Grier School gym in 1963.  Over the years, members organized in homes and local buildings creating opportunities for artistic growth for the young and old.  With a shoestring budget, and an occasional grassroots grant, GCAG planned shows all over the county.  Once, an annual traveling art exhibit was organized for the purpose of educating and exposing those who could not venture over to Gaston County, or even to an art gallery.  The annual exhibit would travel for several years in SC and NC venues.  The Guild managed a permanent art gallery a few times, but economics and growth pains would prevail. 

Today, various artists continue to donate their work to non-profit endeavors each year.  Currently, the Guild offers many opportunities at our partner sites to engage in various artistic endeavors. Throughout the county, GCAG offers several juried and judged art shows with monetary awards, exhibitions, art sales, plein air engagements, and monthly presentations.  Members and non-members travel from other counties to enjoy our many activities!  The community of artists that is created by the Guild continues to perpetuate and support the growth of fine arts in Gaston County.