The Martinez Arts Association (MAA) is a not-for-profit charitable and educational 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1968. We cooperatively encourage the promotion of local artists in order that the community flourishes culturally and artistically, and our extraordinary environment is documented and preserved.

The proceeds of MAA-related events, such as from mARTinez Gallery and Art In the Park, benefit local schools and art scholarship programs

Welcome to the Martinez Arts Association (MAA), a thriving community of diverse artists and benefactors of the arts.

As president, I am proud to introduce all artists and lovers of the arts to the resourcefulness and enthusiasm the association brings to promoting creativity for all ages.

This year promises to be another banner year. With rotating art exhibits at downtown businesses; Chamber of Commerce, Farmers' Market and other shows and festivals; and the association's own gallery, the support for new and established artists continues to expand.

I am especially proud of the success of Art in the Park With Music, an annual festival at Susanna Street Park. Each year, for over 40 years, this August event has featured local artists and musicians in a program that draws people from around the county and beyond. The festival proceeds help young, up-and-coming artists by providing support through scholarships and donations.  

Traditionally, the MAA has worked to provide financial aid for local youth who have chosen to pursue their arts education beyond high school. More recently, the association has begun to provide funding for K-12 teachers, enabling them to purchase art supplies despite dwindling educational resources. Martinez Art Gallery members also contribute 15% of sales toward expanding arts outreach to underserved communities.

Membership in the MAA continues to grow. So I invite you to discover your talent, join this special group of artists and enjoy the many benefits of participating in and contributing to a supportive arts community.

 
Cathy Riggs
President 

Late in 1967, a group of active community members informally discussed the potentially positive cultural and artistic impact that an arts association would have on the Martinez community. This group was comprised of Alex Cooper, chairman of the 1967 Community Congress (out of which the idea grew), Jack and Lois Goldenberg, Mrs. Elmer (Betty) Tesche, Mrs. Donald (Pat) Perryman, and Mrs. Charles (Lorraine) Laird. At that time, only Lois Goldenberg was a practicing artist.

By April 1968, the Martinez Arts Association was formed with Betty Tesche as Chair. Some months later articles of incorporation were submitted to the state of California, followed soon by elected officers and an accepted constitution and by-laws with MAA's 1st President Betty Tesche, Lorraine Laird Vice President and Program Chair, Doris Heckert Treasurer, and Pat Perryman Secretary.

The 1st MAA show was a fondly remembered lawn party in the Laird's garden. The next event was on Main Street, but the wind was horrific. 1969 came and the Association put on ART IN THE PARK. Once a summer, MAA's roots still show themselves in Susana Street Park through Art in the Park, but we have branched out through Martinez and beyond!