Spearheaded by Jo Rich-Vadas and Mary Lou Cornelison, a small group of artists and interested individuals from Marshall community began meeting in February 2009 to form some type of art facility. By that September Gaslight Art Colony became an official Illinois 501(c)(3) charitable organization. From February to October 2009 the enthusiastic group of volunteers were busy transforming the former Randolph Rich law office at 516 Archer Ave in Marshall into the present arts center. Bylaws were drafted, a board of directors was formed, and Gaslight Art Colony opened its doors on Saturday, October 17th, 2009. The name was inspired by the large replica gaslight on the front of the downtown building and the Handy Writers Colony, a well-known group active Marshall during the 1950’s and 60’s.
The Gaslight Art Colony continues to be governed by a board of directors and is funded by annual membership dues, donations, memorials, grants, fundraisers, workshops, art classes and sales. The monthly gallery openings showcase local, regional, and international artists and are held on the third celebrated Saturday evening of each month from February through November. The volunteer-based organization celebrated it's 10th anniversary in October 2019 by presenting a show entitled " A Decade of Artists." All the featured artists from the past ten years were invited to display artwork, and over 70 artists participated in the celebration.
The Gaslight Art Colony remains dedicated to promoting awareness ,participation and understanding of the arts. The organization would not have been able to open the first year without the generous donations and contributions of so many from the community. Special recognition and thanks to our original Gaslight Art Colony members.
Society Members
Platinum
- Yargus Mfg.
- Mr and Mrs Gerald Forsythe
- Thomas Dagley
Gold
- Wernz LTD
- Jo Rich
- Kate and Bill Meehling
Silver
- Bob and Edie Wittenmyer
- Dr. Steve and Beth Macke
- Jim and Joyce Gwyn
- Kalorama Gardens
- Marshall Rotary
- Bill Wolfe
- Sara and John Tarble
- Richard and Donnetta Smith
Bronze
- Lisa and Jack Davidson
- Lewis and Orpha Goekler
- Elenora and Ken Macke
- Pat and Dennis Martin
- Garvin and Barb Manhart
- Sharon Hilbert
- Mindy Meehling
- Larry and Betty Rasner
- Ken and Kay Smith
- Theresa and Tom Stone
- Jeremy and Chelsie Welsh
- Debbie Welsh
- Vicki Welsh Agency
- Mike and Jana Williamson
- Rose Guinnip
- Sam and Ruth Deahl
- Rick and Jill Medsker
- David and Dianne Rardin
- Jim and Jane Ann Cline
- Knowles Auction
- Judy McConchie
- Byron and Ann Calvert
- James Schwartz
- John and Jody Ferris
- Chamber of Commerce
- Merrie Williams and Donald McCord
- Linda Miller
- Sallie Smith
- Linda and Dan Stephens
- Steve and Faye Eitel
- Deke Haws
- Sue Boyer
- Damian and Eleanor Macey
- Mary Lou Cornelison
- Rosa Mckinney
- Bill and Julie Allen
- Dwight Shore
