H I S T O R Y
The Taunton Art Association was founded in 1972 by Beatrice Crowley Pageotte, Joan Roster, and Jean Carter, with a mission "to foster artistic interests in this community and the practice of art amongst the members." On January 24, 1973, it was witnessed as a corporation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
The Taunton Art Association was founded in 1972 by Beatrice Crowley Pageotte, Joan Roster, and Jean Carter, with a mission "to foster artistic interests in this community and the practice of art amongst the members." On January 24, 1973, it was witnessed as a corporation by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Meetings initially were held at the home of Joan Roster. When attendance grew, meetings were held at the Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant, then the Elders Building and Memorial Methodist Church.
The building that is today the home of the Taunton Art Assocication was once the guest house on the estate that would become Taunton High School. Taunton Mayor Rudolph H. DeSilva obtained the building and gave the Association use of the building for 25 years for a fee of $1.00. Several years later, the Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded the Taunton Art Association a matching grant, allowing it to build a new wing for an art gallery.
The building that is today the home of the Taunton Art Assocication was once the guest house on the estate that would become Taunton High School. Taunton Mayor Rudolph H. DeSilva obtained the building and gave the Association use of the building for 25 years for a fee of $1.00. Several years later, the Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded the Taunton Art Association a matching grant, allowing it to build a new wing for an art gallery.
With the diligent assistance of John Barradas, who garnered support from area businesses, the Association was able to fund the construction and obtain a 99 year lease. In November, 1987, the new wing was dedicated and named in honor of
John Barradas.
John Barradas.
