The organizational meeting initiating La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts was held at the La Crosse Public Library with Edith Steinkraus, chairman of that meeting. Alex Cameron read the proposed By-Laws and they were approved. La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts was incorporated in the state of Wisconsin under Chapter 181 of the state of Wisconsin on February 14, 1961.
The newsletter of the La Crosse County Historical Society, dated September/October 1997 reports: "Just before the La Crosse Society of Arts and Crafts was incorporated in early 1961, the first La Crosse Arts and Crafts Show was held at the Mary E. Sawyer Auditorium in downtown La Crosse. A September 24, 1960 event, it would have been held outdoors at Cameron Park, except that it rained that day. Still, the La Crosse Tribune reported that thousands of people attended the indoor event. According the local paper, 'by individuals interested in encouraging amateur art.'"
Since that first art show in 1960, La Crosse Society of Arts & Crafts has continued to sponsor events. Early events included the Beaux-Arts Balls and the Cargill Lawn Carnival of Arts & Crafts. More recently, LCSAC sponsored shows at Copeland Park, Southside Oktoberfest Grounds, City Brewery Hospitality Center, and the City Square building. Currently, they sponsor a series of summer art fairs called “A Season of Art”. More “Season of Art” information can be found on this website under Coming Events.
La Crosse Society of Arts & Crafts has continued to grow and thrive. We have a wide variety of members: professional artists, hobby artists, and lovers of art. We have become the largest (and oldest) art organization in the Coulee Region. Our members are provided with galleries, exhibits, workshops, scholarships, and awards. La Crosse Society of Arts & Crafts is respected in the community for their support of the arts. It’s a great organization!