History of the MLAA

History of Scholarships and the Mother Lode Art Association (MLAA)

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The Bill King Scholarship and MLAA's Scholarship Legacy

Bill King was a local artist and one of the founding members of the Mother Lode Art Association (MLAA). Despite often saying he wasn’t truly an artist, he greatly admired and supported the arts. He opened local galleries to give artists a space to showcase their work and provided mentorship and encouragement. Before his death in 1968, he expressed a desire to support students pursuing art education. Fulfilling this wish, he left money to create a scholarship fund, and thus, the Bill King Scholarship was born.

The scholarship was administered by the MLAA and supported many high school students as they pursued further education in the arts. Even after the original funds were depleted, MLAA continued the effort by raising money to support aspiring fine art students.

Dana-Sue Palemone served on the scholarship committee for many years, with assistance from Loretta Pagni. One year, Dana-Sue personally initiated a $150 scholarship for Loretta to purchase art supplies and attend Columbia College—a gesture of gratitude for Loretta's continued support of others in the arts.

Initially, the scholarship was managed through the Irving J. Symons Fund, which later became the Sonora Area Foundation. More recently, the scholarship has been distributed through Columbia College. However, starting this year, MLAA will once again directly award scholarships to high school and/or college students pursuing a fine art education.

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Servente's and the Window Gallery

In the late 1990s, Columbia College ceramics teacher Dale Bunse and several other local artists began displaying their work in the window of Servente’s, a historic building in downtown Sonora. Dale encouraged Loretta Pagni to join, and with help from her Aunt Allegrina, Loretta added her work. She later invited Lizz Heald to contribute her paintings and sculptures as well.

Eventually, due to health concerns, Loretta handed over the window display management to the MLAA. Since then, different members have taken turns organizing the rotating displays. Servente's, located at 64 S. Washington St., Sonora, CA 95370 (209-532-7833), was originally a grocery store that sold cheese, milk, salami, meats, polenta, and grains before becoming the saloon it is today.

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About MLAA and TCAA

Mother Lode Art Association (MLAA)
Founded: 1952
Mission: "To promote the arts and the appreciation of the arts in our community."

Tuolumne County Arts Alliance (TCAA)
Founded: 1970 (originally Central Sierra Arts Council - CSAC), renamed in 2013
Mission: "To promote the arts and arts education in Tuolumne County, thereby enriching the lives of its residents and visitors."

TCAA is the officially designated public arts agency for Tuolumne County, recognized by the California Arts Council (CAC). While CSAC actually predates the CAC by six years, the state began designating county arts councils in 1976 under Governor Jerry Brown.

Although MLAA and TCAA are separate entities, they have maintained a close and collaborative relationship over the years, supporting each other’s goals and strengthening the arts in Tuolumne County.

MLAA’s Community Impact

MLAA not only supports its members but also:

• Operates a strong scholarship program

• Regularly exhibits artwork in public venues (e.g., Servente’s window)

• Collaborates with other arts organizations

• Contributes financially to TCAA

Highlights from MLAA Art Shows

Selected Past Art Shows and Chairpersons:

• 20th Annual Show (1972): Margaret Woodford, Ruth Wyllie

• 30th Anniversary Show (1982): Dana-Sue Palemone

• 43rd Annual Show (1995): Willa Barber

• 50th Anniversary Show (2002): Lynda Healy (Chair), Debbie Mier & Bonny Gorgas (Co-Chairs)

• 61st Annual Show (2013): Irene Taylor & Anastasia Briggs

Notable Participants and Judges:

• 1991 (39th Annual Show, Tuolumne County Fairgrounds): Joe Figler won Best of Show for his watercolor "Sam Wo, Chinatown"; Liz Heald submitted a cat portrait; Jane Burnham served as judge.

• 1992 (40th Annual Show, Sonora Inn): Free to the public, hours spanned early morning to evening.

• 1996 (44th Annual Show): Co-chairs were Dana-Sue Palemone and Doris Olsen. The program featured artwork by Doris Olsen and Leslie Rolfe.

Honoring Long-Time Members

Dana-Sue Palemone
Dana-Sue has served in nearly every role in MLAA, including President (1980-1985), Secretary (1978), Treasurer (1987), and Show Chairman (1979, 1996). She also took care of program planning, judged shows, organized donations, and helped hang artwork. A retired schoolteacher from Curtis Creek, she taught art throughout the Mother Lode. Born in Corona, CA, she married George Palemone after he left the U.S. Marines.

Ann Hardy
Known for her primitive-style oil and watercolor paintings, Ann served as MLAA President, Vice President, Secretary, and Art Show Chair. She has participated in numerous shows and won many awards. MLAA recognized her 95th birthday on August 25th with appreciation for her lifelong contribution.

Wes and Ruth Wyllie
Both were deeply involved in the 1960s and '70s. Wes was a watercolorist who also painted in oils, serving as Program Chairman, President, Vice Show Chair, Show Chair, and Director. Ruth served as Secretary and Show Co-Chair. Their son Ed Wyllie now leads the Sonora Area Foundation.

Lizz Heald
Educated at CCAC and Academy of Art in San Francisco, Lizz studied watercolor with George Post. She has won awards in painting, sculpture, colored pencil, and jewelry making. She also illustrated two children’s books. Lizz helped Loretta Pagni launch the Servente’s window displays and has since rejoined MLAA.

Tommy and Stephen Manson
Tommy and Stephen were active members who helped with show setup and newsletter mailings in the 1970s-80s. Stephen, a watercolorist, has work still hanging in Tommy’s apartment. Tommy, who painted in oils, turned 101 on May 26th.

A Look Back at MLAA Leadership

Presidents, Chairs, and Key Officers (Selected):

• 1963 President: Mrs. Helen Jasper

• 1964 Program Chair: Weston Wyllie

• 1973 Show Chairs: Ethel Sullivan, Delia Short

• 1975 Show Chairs: Navarra Foster, Ruth Wyllie

• 1978 Show Chair: Dana-Sue Palemone

• 1983 Show Chair: Doris Olson

• 1984 Show Chair: Loretta Pagni

• 1986 Show Chair: Tony Ragusa

• 1988 Show Chair: Diane Sanguinetti

• 1993 Show Chair: Paulla Rogers

• 1997-1998 Show Chairs: Beverly Flores, Joyce Schoettgen

• 2000-2005 Show Chairs: Diane Sanguinetti, Leslie Hurst, Linda Happel, Michael Severin, and others

Honorees: Artists recognized over the years include Ralph Baker, Dorner Schuler, Joel Barber, Dana-Sue Palemone, Shiely Barns, and Wes Wyllie.

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Notable Artist: Amy Haratani

Amy Haratani was born during the Great Depression on a grape farm near Turlock, CA. She began drawing in the dirt with a stick and went on to win multiple awards locally and nationally. Her artwork has been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally. Amy won Best of Show at the MLAA show in 2001 and was featured in 2013 at the Tuolumne County Library.

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A Shared Dream Realized

Longtime MLAA members Willa Barber, Dana-Sue Palemone, and Loretta Pagni dreamed of establishing an arts center at the Sonora Dome. Thanks to support from CSAC, that dream is finally becoming a reality.

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Art and Community Engagement

MLAA members have regularly supported community initiatives, such as:

• Donating artwork to NAMI's annual Apple Festival fundraiser

• Hosting booths for artists at local events

• Publishing recipes and stories in Friends and Neighbors magazine

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Get Involved in MLAA History

If you have stories, photos, or memories to contribute, please contact Loretta Pagni, MLAA Historian, at (209) 532-3369 or LorettaPagni@aol.com. Thank you for supporting the arts in the Mother Lode!