History

A Brief History

• 1965 - Inception - 15 original members - dues only 50¢
• 1956-1958 - meetings and shows held in private homes
• 1962 - Incorporated
• 1963 - Member of the Federation of Arts
• 1963 - Exhibits in the Governor's Mansion
• 1968 - Acquired historic former City hall, on First Street.
• 1968 - Gallery grand opening November
• 1970 - Gallery officically renamed "Art Center"
• 1987 - Acquired the old firehouse, in the former City Hall Complex and renovated both areas to provide a Workshop and Fine Arts Gallery
• 1989 - Old City Hall Complex designated by the city as Historic Landmark in February
• 1992 - First SE Regional Juried Show hosted at OWCC
• 1995 - Gallery opens 5 days a week.
• 1996 - Gallery opens 7 days a week
• 1999 - First Summer Kids Art Camp
• Sponsored Florida State University extension courses at ADSO facilities
• Supported local library and Okaloosa Community College
• Indian Temple Mound Museum resulted from anthropology course by Florida State University, sponsored by ADSO
• Members active in forming Mutual Concert Association, Okaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and Gem and Mineral Society

Our Permanent Collection

ADSO has accumulated an impressive collection of art through donations and purchases since its inception . The collection is too large to show on this website. A few selections representative of the collection are shown.

Images on this page: Copyright 2000 by ADSO.