Bringing Art to the Community, Bringing the Community to Art

The Kokomo Art Association was organized in 1926 to interest the community in the Arts.  Meetings were held in members’ homes and at the Hotel Frances in downtown Kokomo where continuous exhibits were displayed in the lobby.  Later meetings were held at the YMCA and at a city park.

 

A Permanent Collection of Hoosier Art was acquired and displayed at Kokomo High School’s Library and the YMCA.  Local artists exhibited at the Elliot Carriage House and at the Public Library. 

 

In 1962, bylaws and a constitution were established.  Not-for-profit status was attained in 1981. 

 

In 1987, the Kokomo Parks Department provided us with a building in Highland Park, now known as the Kokomo Art Center, to house our growing Permanent Collection, host membership meetings, conduct classes, provide art exhibits and competitions and to provide Kokomo’s children access to summer Art Camps.  The Kokomo Art Center is located at 525 West Ricketts Street and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday  1 to 4pm March through November.  Admission is Free.

 

In 1994, the KAA was asked to form a retail store for working artists to sell their artwork.  A Co-op was formed and located at the Kokomo Mall.  In 2011 the KAA decided to move the Gallery to downtown Kokomo into a beautiful three story building which brought the Kokomo Art Association back to where they began.  Artworks Gallery is located at 210 North Main Street and is open to the public Monday-Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4.

 

In July 2012 board member, Jack Kuhns, donated money to the KAA allowing us to purchase the building!   It has become a successful Art Gallery with teachers and artists occupying studio spaces with room for art displays and receptions.