The China Painting Artists of Maryland was originated on September 5, 1980 at the home of Edwina Hartner in Ellicott City . Refreshments were served and the meeting was called to order at 12:15 pm by Edwina. The afternoon went fast with the ladies working hard and diligently. The order of business were the Club’s name, slate of officers, and the bylaws. All were voted on that day and approved. Edwina offered her home again for the October meeting.
The slate of officers were as follows: President – Edwina Hartner, First Vice President – Jayne Collinge, Second Vice President – Pat Boston, Recording Secretary – Vinnie Dempski, Corresponding Secretary – Lucille Stone, and Treasurer – Catherine Nickle.
In November 1980, the Club moved to Colesville Baptist Church in Silver Spring where the meetings were held until October 1981. The church needed space, so in November we moved to the Marvin Memorial Church located on Colesville Road and University Boulevard East in Silver Spring .
Our meetings were held regularly from November 1981 to 1983. The club heard of the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8511 High Ridge Road in Ellicott City and decided it would be advantageous to move there. On December 1983, the club held its first meeting at this location and continues to do so.
The club has 35 members and offers excellent educational programs such as seminars and demonstrations at every meeting. We are actively engaged in promoting china painting as an art. The club is dedicated to introducing people to “The Wonderful World of China Painting.” Written by Esther Hilten