Art Association of Harrisburg Marks 100 Years with April Gala at the King Mansion
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Asia Tabb
AIRED; January 20, 2026
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Founded in 1926 by civic-minded women determined to strengthen Harrisburg’s cultural life, the Art Association of Harrisburg has spent the last century evolving alongside the city it serves. Executive Director Carrie Wissler-Thomas and Board Chair Travis DiNicola say that legacy — rooted in access, education, and community — remains central as the organization prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary.
The Art Association was established by Mrs. Gertrude Olmsted McCormick, then president of the Civic Club, after a visit from Homer Saint-Gaudens of the Carnegie Museum of Art. “He told the ladies of the civic club, Harrisburg is at the stage now — it needs an art association,” Whistle said. “She heeded the call, formed a committee, and founded the art association.” Unlike many arts institutions of the time, the organization was not founded by artists, but by civic volunteers who wanted to bring museum-quality art to the public.
That history, Whistle said, is especially important to remember. “Around the 1920s, the women of Harrisburg really felt it was their civic duty to found cultural institutions,” she explained. “They wanted to make a difference in the cultural fabric of our community.”
Over the past century, the Art Association has survived world wars, the Great Depression, and sweeping social change — not by standing still, but by expanding its mission. DiNicola, who joined the board nearly a decade ago, said the organization has grown into a hub for artists at every stage. “The Art Association isn’t just bringing art in from outside anymore,” he said. “It’s fostering artists within the Harrisburg and Dauphin County region and beyond — from people taking their first art class to professionals refining their skills.”
Education remains one of its strongest pillars. In 2025 alone, the Art Association reached a record 650 students through classes ranging from pottery and painting to digital art and illustration. At the same time, exhibitions extend far beyond the Front Street galleries. Whistle curates rotating shows at businesses and community spaces throughout the region, bringing art directly to workplaces and public venues. “Some people don’t get out of their office during the day,” she said. “So we take the art to them.”
Whistle’s own connection to the organization spans half its history. She first joined in 1972 as a young artist seeking exhibition space and eventually became executive director in 1986. “It’s my home,” she said. “It’s been my labor of love.” Under her leadership, the Art Association launched Gallery Walk, now in its 38th year — a free, community-wide celebration that highlights galleries, churches, and nontraditional art spaces across the city. “It’s our gift to the rest of the art community,” Whistle said.
DiNicola describes the organization as a beacon — not a collecting museum, but a service-driven institution. “We’re here to support artists, art lovers, teachers, students — everyone who cares about the arts,” he said.
That spirit will be on full display at the Art Association of Harrisburg’s 100th Anniversary Gala, scheduled for April 26, 2026, at the King Mansion. Fittingly, the historic mansion was also built in 1926. The evening will feature dinner, artist showcases, auctions, and special surprises, with proceeds supporting the organization’s mission. “This is our biggest fundraiser ever,” DiNicola said. “Tickets are available now, and we’re incredibly excited.”
After a century of change, Whistle says the goal remains simple: “Helping artists, helping the community, and welcoming everyone who loves art.”
