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History of the French Art Colony

The French Art Colony was born in 1964 to fill a void in the community.  It continues to be a major force in the arts.  With education as its primary goal, school children are frequently targeted, however arts for all ages is the overall aim for this multi-arts center at 530 First Avenue. 

The original organization began as an oil painting class.  Mr. J. Raymond Hoy, a local furniture maker, studied art in Mexico and wanted adult art education available in Gallipolis.  He located and equipped a small studio on the second floor of the K of P Hall, over a pizza parlor, at the corner of Second and Locust.  He persuaded Sarah Moshier to teach oil painting and sought others who were interested in learning.  Students in the first group included Louise Brink, Beth Cherrington, Elmer Daniels, Dr. Arthur Fleming, Bobbie Holzer, Richard North, Mr. Hoy, Nancy Bean Reed, and Dr. Don Thaler.  The class began in September, 1964. 

By the following spring, another class began with several new students.  As expenses began to accumulate, in spite of a modest rent of $20 per month and $7 electric bills, the need for a more formal organization became apparent.  A club was formed, named the French Art Colony (FAC), a constitution written and the first officers were elected.  Dr. Thaler was the first president, followed by Peggy Black Evans and Jan Thaler.  Other early officers were Donna Nibert Goble, Carolyn Roth Grove, Reva Mullins, Marge Snedaker, Pat Martin Splete, Gordon Roth, Jack and Jenny Hudson, and others.

Within two years the need to provide art instruction for school age children was obvious.  Summer classes at various sites, often outdoors, were scheduled and many new mediums were added to the curriculum.  Additional teachers were added including Jack Slavin, David Lyons, Marjorie Rinehart and Tom Lacey.  Art exhibits were held wherever and whenever possible--in the Park, the Lafayette Hotel lobby, Oscars on Sunday, and the lobby of the First National Bank on Second. 

The Ohio Arts Council, formed in 1965, became a part of the life and planning process of the FAC.  The agency was small and locals were on a first name basis with Director, Don Streibig and his assistant, John Briley.  It was not unusual for them to visit Gallipolis and stay overnight at the Thalers.  Because of the work of the FAC, Gallipolis was selected as one of the first two sites in Ohio for the Artist in the Schools program.  Gallipolis City Schools housed a weaver, Kati Meek, at Washington Elementary for the school year.  The FAC organized other residencies including poets, writers, sculptors, and dancers.

From 1968 onward, club members were looking for larger facilities and first floor space.  More classrooms and better exhibit space was needed.  About this same time, the Board discovered that we were using the registered trademark for French City Industries (the Hoy connection).  A contest was held and Jack Hudson's palette logo was chosen and used until the current French flag theme was adopted.

By 1970, members were traveling the alleys looking for a garage or old warehouse as a potential home for the growing agency.  There were 65 members and even a little money in the bank.  Hopes were high and in September, Dr. Thaler approached Dr. Charles Holzer, Jr., then on the Board of the Commercial and Savings Bank, "to see whether a bank like the 'C & S' would agree to finance the French Art Colony."  When questioned, Dr. Thaler explained the need for larger space.  Dr. Holzer's mother, Alma, had died in July and his first question was, "What about my Mother's house?"  This was certainly a major step above a greasy garage and resulted in a lengthy discussion in the Thaler household that evening.  It was finally decided to present the idea to the Board at a special meeting.  Reactions varied from high enthusiasm to serious doubt that the amount of money needed could be raised. 

After much deliberation, the Board decided to proceed and a strategy was defined.  The first step was to convince the community that this was a proper site for an art center.  Three experts were brought in from the State Architects office, the Dayton Art Institute, and the OAC, all of whom concurred with our site and strategy.  We determined expenses, planned a budget and ways to meet it, and began working on a house we did not own.  Simultaneously, incorporation and non-profit status was achieved.  Having done our homework, the capital campaign began in the spring of 1971.  Three year pledges were sought for a total of $77,500.  Volunteers renovated the house and we were able to burn the mortgage two years later.

Over the years, the FAC has remained a vital part of the community.  The accomplishments are many including development of the Gallipolis City Flag, the O.O. McIntyre County Park logo, the Festival Exhibit competition, the Very Special Arts program for special needs children, the Holzer Medical Center collection, and numerous arts programs.  It has been a host site for the Governor, the Ohio Supreme Court, various other dignitaries, tourist groups, and potential candidates for business and industry.  The FAC is "one of those things that just can't happen" in such a small town and remains one of the reasons why Gallia County is the brightest star on the Ohio River. 

Janice M. Thaler, March 2002

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