Wellington Art Society Supports A Vibrant Creative Community

Story By Patrick Sherry  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

For many artists in Wellington, their art does not begin with the first brush stroke on a canvas or a line in a sketchbook, but with interaction with other creatives who are passionate about making beautiful visual pieces. The Wellington Art Society is dedicated to bringing these art lovers together to build a vibrant creative community and enhance each other’s artwork.

Creating these experiences where art enthusiasts can connect is one of the organization’s central pillars that has been with it since the beginning. Johanna Secor, a world-renowned artist originally from Connecticut, founded the Wellington Art Society in 1981.

The intention behind starting the organization was to create a community of artists in the fledgling community who could mentor each other, foster a love for visual arts and contribute to Wellington’s developing creative culture. Today, the Wellington Art Society averages about 100 active members each year.

“Our mission is to promote art and arts in our own community in Wellington, to ensure the future of the art world,” Wellington Art Society President Kris Dru Hilles said.

While maintaining a community of artists is one of its main goals, the society’s leadership works to ensure that its members receive recognition for their work.

The Wellington Art Society hosts exhibitions for the public to see members’ pieces on full display. Rotating seasonally, you can see these creations installed at the Wellington Community Center and Wellington Village Hall. Those art pieces can be bought and help both the artist and help fund the organization’s many activities. Members also bring and sell their work directly to the public at Wellington’s Lakeside Market.

“The Wellington Art Society is the ultimate link between local artists, public spaces and art lovers,” Second Vice President Susan Mosely explained. “We elevate regional culture by jurying and curating our members’ artwork into vibrant exhibitions and helping homegrown talent build sustainable careers.”

Society members include artists of all skill levels, from professionals to hobbyists, who specialize in various mediums. Hilles and Mosely said that it is a pleasure to see so many creative people become a part of the organization. Many of them have gone on to build their careers in the art industry after joining.

Hilles has been a part of the Wellington Art Society for more than four years. He said joining the organization is one of the best things that has ever happened to him. Hilles described himself as an isolated artist who was hesitant to join at first, but since then, the group has helped broaden his creative experiences.

“I was doing stuff for my own studio, and I read about them,” he said. “I went out there… They embraced me. I never felt so welcome in all my life.”

Creating an environment where artists can inspire each other has made the organization a cornerstone in the county’s arts community. Through it, members can create lifelong friendships and achieve creative fulfillment.

“An organized creative group prevents artistic isolation,” Hilles said. “It builds a network for mentorship, preserves local culture and inspires community members by showcasing how visual mediums can communicate complex human experiences.”

However, the Wellington Art Society is not just for artists. The group welcomes patrons and volunteers who want to help contribute toward developing the creative community in the village.

“You do not need to be a practicing artist to join us,” Hilles said. “The society is a welcoming home for anyone who appreciates culture, values community connection or simply wants to support local arts.”

All this success can be attributed to the organization’s programs, which are designed to fulfill its commitment of supporting the local arts community. Among its most recognizable activities are its scholarship opportunities for high school students. Every year, high school seniors in Palm Beach County who are planning on pursuing arts-related college degrees are awarded scholarships. Since 2001, the organization has awarded more than $135,000 in scholarships to help young artists continue to develop their creative endeavors.

The Wellington Art Society’s ArtReach program similarly promotes its mission of bringing art and community together. The program organizes therapeutic art classes for various groups, such as for the children at the Kids Cancer Foundation. The organization also collaborates with other nonprofits through its ArtReach program for fundraising and local community events.

“The scholarships ensure the future of visual arts by supporting the next generation, while the ArtReach initiative uses the therapeutic power of creativity to enrich lives and heal the local community,” Mosely explained.

Meanwhile, residents have praised the organization for its warmth and the accessibility of public galleries. The Wellington Art Society reinvests any contributions from donations or art sales back into the community.

“We rely completely on the generosity of the community,” Mosely explained. “Every dollar contributed directly funds vital initiatives like our youth art scholarships and therapeutic ArtReach workshops. By donating today, you ensure that creativity remains a lasting, accessible force for healing and inspiration right here in Wellington.”

In the future, Wellington Art Society members are hoping to further its mission in other ways. The organization is looking to partner with the Palm Beach County Arts Consortium to host larger exhibitions and launch an initiative to donate supplies or financial support to local public schools with limited funding for the arts.

To the organization’s leaders, the Wellington Art Society is so much more than the creations that member artists hang up on walls. Through the many programs and outreach events, they hope to bring art out of elite galleries and straight into public spaces for the entire community to enjoy. This way, art is not only a creative pursuit but also a meaningful opportunity to deliver life-changing activities.

“Your love for art can change a life today,” Mosely said. “When you support the Wellington Art Society, you are doing so much more than buying a beautiful painting or supporting a local creator — you are investing directly in our community’s future.”

The Wellington Art Society regularly hosts interactive public programming and member meetings at the Wellington Community Center. To learn more about the Wellington Art Society, or upcoming events, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.