HISTORY

​Leonard Cooper

SVAA was founded in 1945 (Under another name)   by a small, energetic group of artists.   The primary founder was Leonard Cooper.

He and his brother, Ignacio,  were also involved with the beginning of the Symphony Association.

 The two brothers were childhood playmates of John Steinbeck.

A spin-off organization was later created for members wishing to sell art.   That gallery was later renamed Valley Art Gallery .   It is now known as the Salinas Valley Art Gallery.