Our Mission
The Pacific Art League inspires and nurtures the growth of individuals and communities in the Bay Area by providing access to transformative creative experiences through art.
Our innovative, high-quality, and inclusive educational programs aim to enrich lives by empowering people to explore, express, and connect through the arts.
Our Vision
To inspire individuals and communities to live a life of curiosity and creativity through art.
Our History
The Pacific Art League, originally known as the Palo Alto Art Club, has been a cornerstone of the arts community in Palo Alto, California, since its founding in 1921. Initially established by a group of around 40 artists, many of whom were connected to Stanford University, the club began as a gathering place for upper-class artists. In its early days, members met in each other's homes, then at the Palo Alto Library, and eventually moved to 340 Melville Avenue in 1926 as the club grew.
As interest in art education expanded, the club relocated to 855 Cowper Street in 1952 to accommodate its popular classes. Reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive and community-oriented approach, the organization transitioned from an exclusive club to a nonprofit arts institution. In 1965, the group purchased its current home at 668 Ramona Street, a historic Spanish Revival building designed by renowned architect Birge Clark.
In 1984, the organization changed its name from the Palo Alto Art Club to the Pacific Art League to better reflect its evolving mission and growing influence beyond Palo Alto. The building underwent a significant $4 million renovation in 2014, ensuring it met modern standards, including compliance with the American Disabilities Act and seismic retrofitting, while preserving its historic charm.
Today, PAL operates as a vibrant nonprofit art school, gallery, and community hub. With a team of approximately 35-40 instructors, the League offers a diverse range of art classes, workshops, and summer camps on a quarterly basis, serving over 2,000 students per quarter. PAL continues to nurture the arts by providing high-quality, inclusive educational programs that inspire creativity in individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Notable Artists
Throughout its history, the Pacific Art League has been associated with many notable artists, including:
Greg Brown (1951–2014): Renowned Palo Alto-local muralist.
Arthur Bridgman Clark (1866–1949): First head of the Art and Architecture Department at Stanford University and the first mayor of Mayfield.
Birge Clark (1893–1989): Prominent architect known for his Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Tom Killion (born 1953): Acclaimed woodcut and linoleum printmaker.
Elizabeth Norton (1887–1985): Bronze sculptor, printmaker, painter, and one of PAL’s first founders.
Ray Strong (1905–2006): Esteemed California landscape painter.
Shirley Williamson (1875–1944): Influential California Impressionist painter.