Some interesting facts about the San Pedro Art Association and the student art competition and exhibition
San Pedro Art Association
Established 1936
The San Pedro Art Association (SPAA) was formed in 1936 to bring together creative people with similar interests within the Harbor area community, and to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to art activities within the community as well as enlarge and intensify the interest of its members in the artistic, cultural and educational affairs of the community for its betterment by contributing to and encouraging art activities within the community.
SPAA celebrates its 85th Anniversary in 2021. It has, over the years, been an artistic force in San Pedro and the surrounding harbor communities providing shows, competitions and classes for interested community members. The membership is comprised of young and old with over 600 children members.
The organization does not have a permanent place to call home having had to rely on the largese of others over the years for spaces to show art. Starting in the Cabrillo Beach House, they have moved to the old Chamber of Commerce Building on Beacon Street, to the Old City Hall, Angels Gate Cultural Center, Logicon Building, Ports O'Call Village and now a space at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles. Currently there is a gallery space that has over thirty member artists showing art year round with other members in their own spaces as well.
Student Art Competitions and Exhibitions
The current series of student art competitions and exhibitions started in 2012 with a competition of student work from Banning High School. Member artists judged the work, selected pieces for exhibition from ceramics, photography, painting and drawing. The top four students selected won cash prizes as well a an art kits. All students selected received an art kit as well. The show was held in the SPAA Gallery at Ports O'Call and remained there for the summer.
From 2013 SPAA has produced an annual art competition and exhibition from San Pedro to Harbor wide. Each show was held at Crafted for three months during the summer until this year. With the COVID-19 pandemic closing schools and making large open events not allowed, this year the show will be shown on line and a small show of the top four winners from Elementary, Middle and High School students will have their art framed be shown at Crafted.
Students accepted into the show will receive art kits, pads of art paper ribbons, a certificate of recognition from Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell, and a student membership in SPAA till they graduate from high school. Next year the hope is that the competition will be able to procede as in former years in addition to having an online presence as well.
