The Mamaroneck Artists Guild had its beginnings in the backyard barn of local artist Grace Huntley Pugh in 1953. Seven local artists contacted the Art Students League in New York, where they found models who, for an hourly rate and train fare, would come out to Mamaroneck to pose for the group. The initial seven were Ruth Connery, Allen Glicksman, Hugh Gumpel, Grace Carr Gurwitz, Alice Neaman, Grace Huntley Pugh and George Russin. By 1955, with some 30 members and 100 patrons and the receipts from a Beaux Arts Ball, they were able to rent space in a building on Prospect Avenue near Mamaroneck Avenue. This space became known as the Art Barn. When this building was sold, the Guild set up quarters on Larchmont Avenue in Larchmont. We were at 2120 Boston Post Road for over 10 years and in the fall of 2008 moved to 126 Larchmont Avenue location.
The Guild had to temporarily close its physical gallery due to COVID19 and moved to operating online. From August 2021, we reopened the gallery at a new location in Larchmont at 1987 Palmer Avenue.
We now have over 150 artists from Westchester County and the surrounding communities. Although our not-for-profit organization has greatly expanded since 1953, our original mission still reflects the aims of the Mamaroneck Artists Guild today.
Mission
- To promote an interest in art in the community.
- To contribute culturally and educationally to the life of the community with lectures, demonstrations, forums, exhibitions, workshops and other related activities.
- To promote the interests of artists.
Our light-filled, spacious Gallery is in Larchmont Village, part of the town of Mamaroneck. Staffed by a Director and an Associate Director, the Gallery is open five days a week, Tuesday – Saturday from noon-5pm. We display art and fine crafts by our artist members, with exhibits changing approximately every 3 weeks. Exhibitions include themed Group shows by our artist members, an annual Awards Show, an Open Juried Small Works Show, an annual Student Show, Solo shows and occasional exhibits in other venues around Westchester County.
Throughout the year we hold a number of programs and activities open to members and to the public. These include popular Life-Drawing sessions, Coffee Houses, a series of Childrens Workshops, art demonstrations and lectures. Artists and Emerging Artists (25 and younger) can apply to join in the Spring or the Fall, when our Jurying committee meet to approve new members. We also offer a selection of non-artist membership categories for individuals, families and corporations. Our beautiful Gallery space is available for rental for events and we welcome corporate sponsorship of our exhibitions and programs.
