What I first noticed, after climbing the steps, was the low doorknob on the front door of the 1853 Italianate brownstone. I guess people really were shorter 150+ years ago. The creaky floors and the layers of paint on the doorframes were other clues to the age of the former private residence.
The Salmagundi Club bought this building in 1917, after meeting for years in the studio of Jonathan Hartley. Starting out in 1871 as a sketching club, it grew into an arts association where artists gathered to discuss ideas on art and culture, hold exhibitions, demonstrations, classes and auctions. Today there are 800 members who show their work up to 10-12 times per year. I made my way to the exhibition room, where some of my friends from the Art Students League were showing their work. Below is Rick Perez’ portrait, “Pidgeon”.
The club has been the meeting place of such representational artists as William Merrit Chase, Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, and Louis Comfort Tiffany. Today it continues this tradition by providing a place for the resurgence of representational art in America. The Salmagundi Club is located at 47 Fifth Avenue between 11th and 12th St.
Christie Neal Hogue 