The Hazleton Art League, Inc. was organized May 5, 1947 by a group of 14, stemming from an art class taught by Arthur S. Carpenter at Penn State Center, which was sponsored by the Hazleton Woman's Club. The purpose was to offer to the people of the vicinity opportunities for the education and appreciation of the arts.
The potentialities of such an organization toward the economic development and cultural balance of the community were recognized by numerous business and professional men and women, many of who become sustaining and patron members at the outset and continue to support it.