Lodi Community Art Center

During the 1930's a group of artisans gathered to share their interests in the arts, and Mrs. H.J. (Ethyl) Bolinger, artist  and benefactor perceived a need for a gallery and dedicated gallery space on Pine Street to the "Lodi Art Club." Mr. and Mrs. Alby Lind, owners of the building, donated the rent.

During  the 1940's  the  "Lodi  Art  Club"  became  the "The Lodi Community Art  Center,"  often  shortened to Lodi  Art  Center.  In  August, 1960  the organization was incorporated (501c) as "The Lodi Community Art Center,"  a  non  profit educational  organization  "to encourage an interest in, and study of, the arts."  When  the  property  was  sold in 1962, meetings  were  held  at a  house at 107 W. Lockeford Street. The organization then moved to the renovated  Old Lodi Union High School at Hutchins Street Square in 1982, first  to  the locker room and then to the  old music room. In 1996 the  organization  left  Hutchins  Street  Square to make way for additional  reconstruction  to  the  theater and fine arts building.The  center  was  offered  space on  Ham Lane in the  Lakewood  Mall and  stayed  there  until it  had to move once again .A nice home at Vino Piazza in Lockeford was short-term due to zoning laws. After several years on Church Street in Downtown Lodi the center has returned to Lakewood Mall, where it has a studio and  attractive  gallery. Prior to World War II, the Lodi Art Center's first Art Annual show was held at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds.

The  second Art Annual show was in the foyer of the Lodi Women's Club. By 1965 the  Art Annual  was held at Barengo Winery and displayed the paintings on the old wine barrels.  During its Hutchins Street Square years,  the  Art  Annuals were held there. Beginning  with  the  38th Art Annual in 1997, the show has been held at the Woodbridge by Mondavi Winery in Woodbridge and has become a major cultural event for the area.

The  Lodi  Community  Art  Center has  gained  Statewide and National recognition for our members achievements and contributions  to  the  community.  Many blue  ribbons have  been brought to Lodi by the members and the organization continues to reach out to the community with shows, demonstrations, and speakers.