The Art League of Fort Bend County: Our History

The Art League of Fort Bend was founded in 1957 by 10 creative artisans: Helen Jane Farmer, Adele Hauger, Lucy Holt, Rodonia Jones, Ann Lou Leinwebe, Dot Parker, Darby Prastik, Katie Walger, Sylvia White and Carmen Willey.

Their objectives were to promote educational programs for the membership and to establish and promote public interest and awareness in the fine arts in their community. They wished to stimulate and enrich interest in the membership and encouraged appreciation of the achievements of local artists.

This statement holds true today. The hopes and wishes of a community place for all artists to create, study and exhibit became a reality. Melissa and Gary Gates generously offered ALFB space in their Rosenberg office building at the corner of 5th Street and Avenue I. Now the Gates Fine Arts Center houses a gallery, educational rooms and offices of ALFB.

Achieving the original mandate for educational programs for all levels of artists can be seen in the large classroom. In this multi-function room, artists are found working on their own, taking a class, watching a demonstration by a featured artist, or learning from a special speaker.

Their second goal of establishing and promoting public interest and awareness in the fine arts is seen in the newly established 5th Street Gallery and in involvement with the Historic Downtown Rosenberg Cultural District. Encourage appreciation of the achievements of local artists? Art League of Fort Bend carries that flame brightly and willingly.