About Us

Mission Statement

“To preserve the natural scenery of Mill Valley and the surrounding country, to beautify the grounds around public buildings, to work against the wanton destruction of birds and game, to encourage the development of outdoor art and to engage in other civic, literary and charitable work.”

We are a private, nonprofit women's organization which was formed in 1902

Each year the Outdoor Art Club gives monetary gifts to the Community

The clubhouse can be contacted by phone at (415)388-9886

The Rental Chair can be contacted by phone at (415)383-2582

Our physical address is: One West Blithedale, Mill Valley, California

Our mailing address is: One West Blithedale, Mill Valley California 94941

Meet our webmaster.

President’s Message

It is indeed an honor and privilege to serve as President for the 105^th year of the Outdoor Art Club.  I am excited about the opportunity and very grateful to work with all the dynamic women who agreed to serve on the Board as well as the talented ladies who will take on all the special assignments. 

As required in the By-Laws, the Club’s Annual Operating Income and Expense Budget was presented and approved at the July Board meeting.  A copy of the Budget appears here in the Communicator and will be presented for approval by the membership at the September business meeting.  Approximately 50% of the Club’s income is from rentals and our goal is to set aside 10% of our revenue in our reserve funds at the end of the year.

In March we submitted another grant application to the California Cultural and Historical Endowment (CCHE) to assist in the renovation of the women’s restroom.  While our application’s total score was above the minimum threshold percentage, we were not in the top 25% and will not be eligible for funding.  Yes, this is a disappointment but not the end of the world.  We thank the ladies of the grant committee for their hard work and dedication and know they will continue to watch for future grant opportunities.

A Special Committee to study and submit a recommendation to the Board for upgrading the Club’s audio/visual equipment was established at the July Board meeting. It will be chaired by Dona Monet.  The Board learned that the deficiencies in our current sound system limit the types of programs that can be offered at our meetings.  Last year several programs required the Club to rent equipment.   We are anxious to see what the Committee learns and will let everyone know the results of their work.

Last year’s “unofficial” Cultural Arts group that took trips to the ballet and more is now “official”.  The group is appropriately called “Stepping Out” and gained Board approval in July.  A trip to ACT and dinner afterward is planned for November.

Just a reminder, the By-Laws were changed and new members are now required to work 20 hours each year the first two years.  We are a volunteer organization and our success is tied to our continued commitment and ongoing participation in Club activities.  Please think about this when someone calls and asks for help on an event.  You’ll be glad you did.

I am optimistic about the upcoming year at the OAC and thank you for taking this journey with me.

Warm regards,

Kathleen Perka Ford

Environment Gifts
The Outdoor Art Club Outreach Committee gave grants to the following organizations last year:

Mill Valley Community Garden

Bockhorst Maybeck Film
Milley Awards
Mt. Tamalpais Interpretive Association
Music Teachers Assoc.
Shakespeare in the Park.

Casa AllegraFundraiser for Animal Helpers
Good 4 Da 'Hood
Marin Learning Center
Marin Literacy Program
Mill Valley Community Response Teams (CERTS)Opportunity for Independence
Redwoods Foundation
Ritter HouseSt. Vincent de Paul Dining Room
Whistlestop Meals on Wheels