The first meeting was held on March 13, 1995, at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta.  There were thirty-one members of the community present.  During the first year, 115 people became members.

Gem of the Valley Art Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 Public Benefit Corporation; our incorporation date is September 27, 2005.  Donors to our club may deduct from their taxes any gifts of money to our club.

Our main focus is to contribute to the encouragement and development of art in the area of Murrieta and surrounding communities and to carry out an educational program for our members at regular or special meetings whenever possible.  The public is welcome to attend meetings of our organization and we welcome all.  We are always interested in attracting new members.  The city of Murrieta has always provided meeting places for us and is very supportive of our organization.

Helen Buchanan

Murrieta was a burgeoning community in 1995, ready to take its rightful place among the cities of southwest Riverside County.  Something was missing, however, in the minds of a group of residents who were interested in art.  This “something” was an art association.  So, it was decided that Murrieta would have one.

Peggy Lincoln, aided by Esther Simonsen, Eileen Brostrom, Maxine Fagundes and Helen Buchanan organized Gem of the Valley Art Association.

The name of the club was derived from the logo of the City of Murrieta, which was “Murrieta, Gem of the Valley.”  Peggy wrote the constitution, obtained sponsors, and formed the first board which consisted of the following officers:  President, Peggy Lincoln; Vice-President, Esther Simonsen; Secretary, Helen Buchanan; Treasurer, Connie Witt; and Exhibitions Director, Maxine Fagundes.  Kathy Bond was Membership Chairperson.

The first meeting was held on March 13, 1995, at Shivela Middle School in Murrieta.  There were thirty-one members of the community present.  During the first year, 115 people became members.

Gem of the Valley Art Association is a non-profit 501(c)3 Public Benefit Corporation; our incorporation date is September 27, 2005.  Donors to our club may deduct from their taxes any gifts of money to our club.

Our main focus is to contribute to the encouragement and development of art in the area of Murrieta and surrounding communities and to carry out an educational program for our members at regular or special meetings whenever possible.  The public is welcome to attend meetings of our organization and we welcome all.  We are always interested in attracting new members.  The city of Murrieta has always provided meeting places for us and is very supportive of our organization.

Helen Buchanan