Mineola League of the Arts (MLOTA) began February 25, 1988, when 17 charter members envisioned a way to promote interest in all forms of art, provide a place to encourage and display art and to perform that art.

In 1990, the rental of the old Central Elementary School Building to house MLOTA was a big boost to this dream of bringing the arts to our community. Then, 1992, The Meredith Foundation provided MLOTA a grant to purchase this building from the school district and later provided additional funds for exterior and interior renovations. The dream had burst into bloom!

Guilds were formed to emphasize particular types of arts and interests: Fiber, Painters, Music, Theater, Writers, Toastmasters, Photography, Clogging and Aerobics. Of these guilds there remains to this day: Fiber Arts, Line Dance, Painters, and Quilters and Dimensional Arts which is an umbrella term for wood carving, wood burning, clay sculpting, stained glass and so much more.

Besides a tremendous variety of workshops, demonstrations and programs provided through the years by individual guilds, one of the most notable efforts of the League is the annual Kids Art Classes. This began in 1991 and each summer for one week, experienced teachers and volunteers hold an excellent comprehensive arts program for children. Arts of a specific culture are taught, this enabling the students to learn about themselves and others through the hands-on experience.

Our annual art show provides the multi-gifted members of MLOTA and artists from all over East Texas an opportunity to present their works to the community. The annual Quilt Celebration also fills the building in the month of October. This two day event brings quilters young and old from all over the region.

MLOTA has conducted several fund raising events over the years, which not only assist in raising the much needed funds to keep such a large building operational, but also help bring the arts to our community and widen the available cultural fields. The Annual Holiday Bazaar in December gets us into the spirit for the holidays as members provide handmade items for sell to benefit the League.

These many and varied activities sponsored by MLOTA are designed to include young and old, male and female, and all cultural and socio-economic groups. The arts are basic and ultimately, the most important value is in their very existence and being.

May we as members of MLOTA continue to strive to achieve the goals of this organization, the purpose as outlined and the vision of those courageous 17 original charter members.