SMART MOVES, GRACIOUS ACTIONS DEVELOP FINE ARTS CLUB FOR ITS 101ST YEAR

Skeet Shooting One of First Organized Activities

The first 100 years of the Fine Arts Club of Fargo were “spellbindingly amazing,” said Jan Ulferts Stewart, first vice president, at a recent meeting of all eight sections of the club.

Stewart, a member of the book section, continued, saying, “I am thrilled to be part of this organization. I appreciate the learning, value the friendships and the combination of fellowship and learning here. We can share in all the benefits of fine arts.”

While celebrations of the centennial last year were important, members look to the future, led by president Gloria Holloway.

The 250 members are women, but men have been members and are welcome in any of the eight sections. Social and financial philanthropy are important in each section.

A non-profit organization for men and women, it was organized in 1911 and incorporated in 1927 and in 1954, the club became a 501c3 organization. In 1930, the club began to meet in its stately home, once a music conservatory, at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sixth Street South. The home was a gift from Mrs. J.S. Watson, known as Lizzie. An on-site manager takes care of both the building and the needs of each section.

I n “Newcomer’s Look,” by Lou Richardson, retired North Dakota State University professor, she recalls the vision of founder, Mrs. Frank (Elmadine) Thompson, who determined Fargo needed a Fine Arts Club. From the beginning, there were multiple sections.

P hyllis Boatman, a longtime member, calls the Fine Arts Club the “best deal in town, a great organization. Membership cost is designed to cover our expenses. We have events each year for everyone including the BlingBling showcase, Holiday Tea, and this spring’s Bargain and Book Sale (April 28-29) at the Clubhouse. Our dues, and what you receive, are wonderful. Scholarships, donations, educational programs and being a helping hand to many are what we do – and we have fun doing it.”

T he group changes as the lifestyles of women change. Doors are open to people interested in friendship, acceptance and, as an immigrant to America years ago who improved her spoken English from Fine Arts members said, “learning without a test.”

N ew and longtime members study today and the future – a timeless endeavor.

Eight sections bring lively discussion and enrichment

The sports and games section began with skeet shooting and archery and now challenges with bowling, Scrabble and Mahjongg.

The investment section “educates itself, explores the stock market and makes investments. Its diversified portfolio has performed incredibly well, among the first to own Apple stock. Oh my – the women in the investment section are incredibly smart, sassy, comfortable sharing their opinion (and they all have one), and did I mention smart? Granted, I am a member of this group and I would love to meet with them everyday instead of once a month. They can all talk at once and follow every conversation. And, they all know what’s going on in the world!” Liz Conmy said.

The art section encourages appreciation and knowledge of art. Some members are artists but most simply enjoy art.

In the book section, members vote on the book selection, and volunteer to lead discussions in the morning and afternoon sessions.

Creative living covers everything from musical entertainment, historical interpretations, social concerns, current civic topics and pure entertainment.

Drama members learn everything from classic to modern plays, local theater productions and movies.

In the garden section, love of nature is the credo. Field trips offer hands-on experiences and they take care of the landscaping around the Fine Arts Clubhouse.

The history section explores how history relates to the community and world today.

“With some six to eight sections regularly holding meetings on an average twice a month for eight or nine months of the year and with general meetings that started as monthly affairs and are now held twice a year, we can make a conservative estimate that Fine Arts members have attended some 13,000 meetings in the last 100 years.

“The meetings have included recitals, plays, readings of members’ original poems, essays and fiction, concerts, tours, gardening projects, sports events and tournaments, games, reports and lectures, and guest speakers and performers by the gross,” Richardson wrote.

The richness of the last 100 years informs the future. Members shape what is, and will happen, for the Fine Arts Club. Ideas and inspirations bring accomplishment to club members individually and collectively.

For membership or information about the Fine Arts Club, please call the clubhouse at 235-6264 or go its website, thefineartsclub.com. [AWM]