Welcome to the
El Paso Art Association
501 c(3) Art Organization
· Mission Statement – The mission of the El Paso Art Association shall be to promote excellence & appreciation of the visual arts in El Paso and the surrounding areas. The EPAA accomplishes this through educational opportunities, exhibitions, community outreach and open membership.
· Founders - The El Paso Art Association was founded in 1950 by three local artists, Enid Alden, Carl Cogar and Lavora Norman. Their goal was to unite local artists in the cause of finding sites to exhibit their artwork. They were successful in mounting their first exhibit in 1951.
· Sponsors - The EPAA is thankful for the generosity of our sponsors who missions are also to promote the artists and the great culture of EL Paso.
MCAD - Museums and Cultural Affairs Department
Huthsteiner Fine Arts Trust
TCA - Texas Commision on the Arts
· Membership - Since the pandemic our active membership fluctuates between 200-225. This membership includes painters, sculptors, ceramists, photographers, jewelers, muralists and more. Since its inception, The El Paso Art Association has been open to artists of all ethnic, cultural and socio-economic groups to join and encouraged to participate in all events and opportunities that are offered throughout the year. Included in our membership as well are patrons of the arts, businesses and art enthusiasts.
· Board of Directors - We continually strive for more diversity on our Board of Directors and general membership which is open to all. Visit the Board of Directors page to view current EPAA Board Members.
· Crossland Gallery - In 2001, the El Paso Art Association leased space at 500 W. Paisano The Crossland Gallery with 210 linear feet of hanging space, offers a variety of member exhibits and shows that are open to any artist in the area and surrounding region.
· Studios at the Art Junction - On the second floor of 500 West Paisano are 35 artists studios spaces for rent to artists, along with gallery space for exhibits. Artist mediums include: painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry making, encaustics, etc, etc.
· Presidents Gallery - Also, located on the second floor of the ARTJuntion is the Presidents Gallery, showcasing art from many former EPAA Presidents. Including Holly Cox, Krystyna Robbins, Don Beene, Reggie Watterson.
· Artistic Diversity - Our goal is to have diversity in our visual artistic exhibits. This diversity attracts a broad spectrum of art lovers and viewers in our area.
· Art Classes - Classes in various mediums are offered, along with workshops and demonstrations.
· Scholarship Exhibits - Our annual Scholarship Exhibit supports and recognizes the talents of our youth in El Paso. Families and the public are awe struck by the high quality, creativity & talent of the students and the art instructors are commented for their dedication to quality work.
· Lending Library - Innovation comes from encouraging visual artists to explore new paths; having access to our diverse library of books on many different techniques, mediums, applications of new materials or old materials used in creative ways.
· Social Media - The El Paso Art Association has a web site of all upcoming events and important information about the organization. We now reach art enthusiasts near and far with our Facebook page & Instagram.
· Flourishing Artists - The programs & services that the El Paso Art Association provides have positive and far reaching need & impact to the community whether artist, patron or enthusiast. Artists, whether beginner, emerging or seasoned gain experience of working towards and displaying their artwork in a professional gallery setting for the public to view and enjoy. Beginning artists’ blossom into emerging artists on our gallery walls and careers flourish. Artworks from EPAA members have gone on to be purchased by the Public Arts Program in El Paso for the public to see in various locations around the city.
