The Gainesville Fine Arts Association (GFAA) will be celebrating its 100th year anniversary this year with two events in September.
The first celebration is for the 100 Year Anniversary Party that is scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, in the newly restored 1908 Grand (215 N. Main St.). The historic building was built as the Gainesville Masonic Lodge No. 41 in 1908 and many of its members were instrumental in constructing several historic downtown Gainesville structures that include both the University Auditorium and the Gainesville courthouse.
The 100 Year Anniversary Party is a ticketed fundraiser that runs $50 per person. The event will include a dinner and drink provided by Blue Gill, along with a cash bar. The event will also feature an artwork raffle and dancing with music provided by the Gainesville String Quartet and DJ Elio.
Tickets must be purchased by Sept. 16 at gainesvillefinearts.org/100.
The second event is a reception for the GFAA’s History Exhibition: 100 Years of Art. It will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 29, during Gainesville’s Artwalk. The event will include refreshments and live music.
According to the GFAA press release, “The exhibition tells the story of the organization and includes original art from members through the past 100 years, including old newspaper articles and works by one of the founders, Emmaline Buchholz on loan from the Matheson Museum.”
The free 100 Years of Art exhibit will be on display free at the GFAA Gallery from Sept. 29 to Nov. 18.
The GFAA, formed in 1923 by three close friends — F.W. Buchholz (Emmaline), Nelly Trezevant and C. Addison Pound (Annie) – was used to “foster and encourage the study of the Arts theoretically and practically through every medium,” according to the release.
For more information, visit gainesvillefinearts.org/100.