About Us
Mission- "The objective of this organization shall be to promote the creation and appreciation of fine art in the South Hampton Roads area in the Commonwealth of Virginia, to encourage artistic talent and to support such civic endeavors as well as enhance the beauty and cultural development of the South Hampton Roads area."
Southside Artists Association was established in 1965 as the Chesapeake Art Guild. As our organization grew, we added members from Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and North Carolina. The name was changed to accommodate the addition of these areas.
To support the arts and our community we established an Art Scholarship in 2019. SAA has awarded the scholarship annually to a deserving, graduating Chesapeake high school senior who plans to continue his/her education in the study of art. The scholarship is funded by SAA and awarded through the Chesapeake Public School Educational Foundation. Recipients of the scholarship are chosen based on artistic talent and academic abilities.
Meetings are normally held the first Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. We have a light lunch (Pot Luck) and frequently have learning demonstrations by area artists. We welcome artists in the area to join us.
Our membership consists of beginners to accomplished artists. Qualification for membership are an interest in the mission of this organization, completion of the membership application and payment of dues. As a member you will have the support of other artists, learning demonstrations and the opportunity to exhibit in area shows.
We maintain a website and give our members the opportunity to have a photo, bio and representative artwork on this site. We also maintain a Facebook page for our group.
Art Shows
There are several art shows per year, including judged shows. Members have had the opportunity to show their artwork at area locations including TowneBank, Suffolk Cultural Arts Center, Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, Norfolk Botanical Garden and the Virginia Flower & Garden Expo.
Want to join our membership? For further information, you may contact us using our webform on the "Join Us" page.
OFFICERS
President: Tom Paulk
Vice President: Brian Ross
Recording Secretary: Karen Curry
Treasurer: Jan Clausen
Corresponding Secretary: Lois Thomas
Exhibit Committee Chair Wilma Clark
“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.”