WITH AN EYE ON THE PAST AND A HEART FOR THE FUTURE
On Feb. 8, 1926, nineteen visionary founders met in renowned artist Frank Reaugh’s Oak Cliff home to form the Oak Cliff Society of Fine Arts. Their mission: to heighten all aspects of art in the community.
For 100 years, dedicated volunteers, members, and donors have been keeping that vision alive.
And now we need your help to lay the foundation for our next 100 years!
Your year-end gift to our Laying the Foundation Campaign directly funds the preservation of our historic home and allows us to expand our mission to heighten the arts for a new generation.
Help us honor the founders, celebrate our saviors, and secure the future.
Honoring the Legacy
Our initial leadership included Adella Turner, a proven advocate for "correcting wrongs and abuses wherever woman's influence is needed." Her spirit of advocacy spanned the arts, social justice, and women’s causes. As we launch into our next 100 years, the Society can draw on her legacy of strength of character and dedication.
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Adella Kelsey Turner (1856–1938), Dallas clubwoman and community leader, was born on January 13, 1856, in Marshall, Texas, the daughter of William H. and Sarah M. (Patillo) Kelsey. After her parents died, the four-year-old and her older brother lived with the Gustave Frank family in Jefferson. She married Edward P. Turner in Fort Worth on June 5, 1879, and shortly thereafter moved to Dallas, where her husband managed three Texas and Pacific Railway ticket offices. The Turners had four sons, only two of whom survived to adulthood. Mrs. Turner launched her campaign for "correcting wrongs and abuses wherever woman's influence is needed" as president of the Oak Cliff Improvement Association (1903). She was president of the City Federation of Women's Clubs (1903–04), the Texas Federation of Women's Clubs (1904–06), and the Dallas Woman's Forum (1906–08), the latter of which she helped found in 1906.
Securing Our Future
This powerful legacy was nearly lost. We owe the very existence of the Society and the historic Turner House today to the continued wisdom and devotion of James Prothro and Alfred Martinez, who heroically saved both from oblivion in 2000. Their leadership represents the enduring commitment to art and community that defines us.
Now We Look Forward
With all of us unified and buoyant, we can lead the Society forward for another 100 years! Your year-end gift to the Laying the Foundation campaign directly funds the preservation of our historic home and allows us to expand our mission to heighten the arts for a new generation. Help us honor the founders, celebrate our saviors, and secure the future.