Our History

During the 1930’s a group of artisans gathered to share their interests in the arts, and Mrs. H.J. (Ethyl) Bolinger, artist and benefactor, perceived a need for a gallery and dedicated gallery space on Pine Street to the "Lodi Art Club." Mr. and Mrs. Alby Lind, owners of the building, donated the rent.

During the 1940’s the "Lodi Art Club" became the "The Lodi Community Art Center," often shortened to Lodi Art Center. In August, 1960 the organization was incorporated (501c) as "The Lodi Community Art Center," a non profit educational organization "to encourage an interest in, and study of, the arts." When the property was sold in 1962, meetings were held at a house at 107 W. Lockeford Street.

The organization then moved to the renovated Old Lodi Union High School at Hutchins Street square in 1982, first to the locker room and then to the old music room. In 1996 the organization left Huchins Street square to make space for additional reconstruction to the theater and fine arts building.

The Art Center was offered space on Ham lane in Lakewood Mall and stayed there until it had to move once again. A nice home at Vino Piazza in Lockeford was short-term due to zoning laws. After several years on Church Street in Downtown Lodi the center returned to Lakewood Mall, where it had a studio and attractive gallery. Finally, the Art Center moved to its current location at 110 W Pine Street map, where visitors can enjoy a beautiful gallery with studio space in the back.

Prior to World War 2, the Lodi Art center`s first Art Annual show was held at the Lodi grape festival Grounds. The second Art Annual show was in the foyer of the Lodi Women`s Club.

By 1965 the Art Annual was held at Barengo Winery and displayed the paintings on the old wine barrels. During its Hutchins Street Square years, the Art Annuals were held there. Beginning with the 38th Art Annual in 1997, the show has been held at the Woodbridge by Mondavi Winery in Woodbridge and has become a major cultural event for the area.

The Lodi Community Art Center has gained Statewide and national recognition for our members achievements and contributions to the community. Many blue ribbons have been brought to Lodi by the members and the organization continues to reach out to the community with shows, demonstrations, and speakers.

Adapted from "The Lodi Community Art Center, Past and present" by Virginia Rippey.

* As an addendum to this history we might add that in the days prior to the Lodi Arts Commission and the Lodi Arts Fund, it was the Lodi Department of parks and Recreation which often provided cooperation and support to projects of the Lodi Community Art Center, an independent non profit 502(c)(3) corporation made up of artist and art supporters.

The 1984 Brush-Off Competition

Lodi Community Art Center artists competed against Stockton Art League painters doing a quick work of art in tempera paint. The topic was always drawn from a list of suggestions, and the three artist who painted for each team were given only a couple of minutes to plan, then they each had a turn at the painting, relay style, with a timer running.   I would guess the topic for this set of paintings was the Clements Stampede rodeo, with the horse and rider by LCAC and a rodeo clown by SAL.

1997 Art Show among the barrels at Barengo Winery in Acampo, where the Lodi Spring Art Annual was held for many years.

PRESIDENTS OF THE LODI COMMUNITY ART CENTER