In 2011, the Woman’s Club of Wilton Manors retired their chapter and deeded their clubhouse to the City of Wilton Manors. Built in 1955 on property donated by Algar Hagen, it is a charming, mid-century building that feels a lot like “old Florida.”

Soon after the City took possession of the property, the local neighborhood association inquired about using the building for an art gallery. Located on the north side of Hagen Park, it IS part of the Art & Entertainment District. To the surprise of the neighborhood association and the artists, the Mayor and City Commissioners said, “Sure. Why not?”

Volunteers and artists joined forces on a couple of Saturdays and cleaned and painted the interior of the building. Robert Gross, a local art teacher and nationally known artist, served as our Art Guru and Curator and in July 2012, Art Gallery 21 opened its doors with 26 paintings from six local artists. The art social, held on a midsummer Friday evening, was truly a celebration of the creative spirit and inspired us all.

On April 1, 2015, Art Gallery 21, Inc. was incorporated by the State of Florida as a nonprofit organization. In February of 2016 we achieved  501(c)(3) nonprofit status. We have received grant funding from the Florida Humanities Council and Broward Cultural Division as well as ongoing support by the Mayor, Commissioners and Staff of the City of Wilton Manors for which we are immensely grateful. If you are an artist or someone who likes art, please come along! We’d love to have you!