The Playhouse of Design was an art club originally begun by Mrs. Jake Trussell in January 1960. The creators of the collection include the elected officers and members of the art society.
1 linear foot
A2014-011
1890-1945 (unknown)
The Playhouse of Design’s original creators were Mrs. Jake Russell of Ricardo, who in January of 1960 called Mrs. Lou Mott, Jack Fergeson, V. B. Jarrett, C. O. Bridges, Harry Sanders and Phillip Trussell together to organize an art club in Kingsville, Texas. January 22, 1960 was the first organized meeting with Neldene Fergeson serving as the first President; Mrs. Lou Mott, Vice-President; Mae Trussell Secretary; and Mrs. Lou Mott as Treasurer. Membership consists of three groups: active artists, patrons, and associate members who take part in exhibits only. Exhibits are held in October, monthly meetings are held every 4th Monday, from September through May. In 1988 changes to the constitution were recommended so the society could obtain a non-profit status. The objectives were to provide artistic advancement of its members through workshops and to promote art education through scholarships. The scholarship is offered to a student majoring in art from the Kingsville, Bishop, Riviera, or Academy school districts. Requirements included presenting a biography with a portfolio of work and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, exhibiting their work at the Playhouse of Design’s spring show and the Fiesta de Colores in October. The final requirement was to maintain a GPA of 3.5. Workshops, exhibitions and promotion of the scholarships provide motivation for the Playhouse of design members to continue their personal work and interests in design and art and assist students in art education. In 2014 and 2015 the annual art show was held at the Conner Museum at Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Correspondence, minutes, year books, printed annuals, scrapbooks, and financial statements are part of the operating records of the Playhouse of Design Art Society. The records provide a fairly complete record of the operations of the art society. The constitution, bylaws, and policies of the society are detailed and updated throughout the years in the printed annuals. A fairly complete set of minutes exists. The minutes contain notes concerning elections, activities, and changes in the bylaws. Financial reports are included in the minutes and also stated in separate logs. Attendance logs were kept in the minutes until 1987 to 1999 when they were printed in separate logbooks. Calendars showcasing member’s artwork from 2012, 2013, and 2014 are included. Playhouse of Design Yearbooks from 2010 to 2014 and ledgers of annual art exhibits from 1964 to 1981 are part of the collection. The scrapbooks house material on art exhibits, workshops, member meetings, letters, newspaper clipping and photographs of the members of the Playhouse of Design. Scholarship information and the first applicants along with the faculty recommendations are in separate folders.
This collection is arranged in four series: Series I: Playhouse History -- Series II: Scrapbooks -- Series III: Photographs -- Series IV: Playhouse Records
South Texas Archives, James C. Jernigan Library, Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Open for Research
Permission to publish, reproduce, distribute, or use by any and all other current or future developed methods or procedures must be obtained in writing from South Texas Archives, James C. Jernigan Library, Texas A&M University-Kingsville. All rights are reserved and retained regardless of current or future development or laws that may apply to fair use standards.
Playhouse of Design Art Society Records, A2014-011.XXXX, South Texas Archives, James C. Jernigan Library, Texas A& M University-Kingsville
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A2014-011 – Gift of Nancy Gilliam for the Playhouse of Design