The Southside Art League was conceived in 1963 then organized in 1964 as a non-profit organization with 59 Charter Members. In the early years members met in basements of churches and in the back room of the firehouse. In 1990 the property at 299 East Broadway was acquired, and has been the home of the Southside Art League ever since. Two historic buildings on the site were renovated for office, gallery and classroom space.

The smaller building houses the office and Gallery. This is where any member can display and sell their works. They only have to pay a small monthly fee and work in the Gallery one day a month. Each month an artist is featured for a solo show in the east room.

The pump house, the larger of the two buildings, houses classrooms used for regular art instruction as well as seminars and workshops. The building has four rooms, two upstairs and two down. The upstairs rooms are currently unfinished with plans for future renovation.

The Southside Art League has a Board of Directors and a current membership of around 200. The Southside Art League is self supporting. Funds come from individual memberships, corporate memberships, gallery dues and class and workshop fees. Each year the Southside Art League sponsors a Student Show, Member’s Show, National Abstract Show and Create Your Heart Out paint-out.

Instructional classes include oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, drawing, and portraiture. Workshops and demonstrations are also offered.