History

Marysville Art League

Welcome to the Marysville League (MAL), a vibrant community dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the artistic talents of local artists! Established in 1979 by a passionate group of individuals from Union County, our journey began with informal meetings in the comfort of members' homes and at the Marysville Public Library. However, in 1982, we took a significant step forward by purchasing the historical Houston House, a beautiful yet dilapidated building in need of repairs. With pride and dedication, our members rolled up their sleeves and the much-needed renovations, transforming it into a welcoming space where we could hold, luncheons, art exhibits, and classes. In the early 1990s, we expanded our facilities by adding the Pottery Barn, now known as the Edith Dyer Art Room, in honor of one of our founding members, Edith Dyer. As a former president and teacher, Edith was renowned for her exceptional fundraising skills and played a pivotal role in convincing the organization to acquire the Houston House. Her inspirational leadership also led to the creation of the art room we cherish today, where four of her original paintings continue to grace the walls of the Houston House. Over the years, the MAL has flourished, to the commitment and vision of our original members.

In honor of Marilyn Shearer, a dedicated and supportive member of the MAL, we celebrate her invaluable contributions and leadership throughout the years. Until her health began to decline in 2011, Marilyn expertly oversaw all activities and rentals, showcasing her commitment to the arts. The Parlor stands as a tribute to her memory, alongside the wheelchair ramp that she envisioned, which became a reality in 2014. This ramp not only honors her legacy but also enhances the MAL's ability to serve our community more effectively.

We invite you to nominate a past founder, contributor, or dedicated member who has significantly impacted the history of the Marysville Art League. The legacy of the Houston house and the MAL is meaningful to us, and your insights are invaluable. If you have any stories or nominations to share, please reach out to us at info@marysvilleartleague.org. Thank you for helping us honor those who have made a difference!

Historical Houston House

1. The Houston House was built in 1872 by Christopher Houston (1829-1892)

He was born in Ireland and came to America in 1850.

Christopher was a prominent businessman who was a grocer and bank founder. He was a Mason of the Palestine Lodge and was active in Republican political affairs.

He married Hannah Sabine (1837-1926) on March 26, 1861.

She organized the Women’s Parliament in 1890 and it is still active today in Marysville.

She was the First Matron of the Eastern Star in Marysville.

Christopher and Hannah had four children.

Alexander (1862-1939) 77 years old

Archibald (1863-1908) –killed at the age of 45

Frederick King (1866-1949) 83 years old

Christine (1871-1947) 76 years old

Christopher built the Houston block on the Southwest corner of Marysville Square in 1870.

Christopher and Hannah, as well as Christine and Frederick are buried in Oakdale Cemetery.

From East to West – Clements, Sabines, Houstons. The rose granite tombstone came from Scotland.

2. The last family member to live in the house was Grace Houston Biamonte (1885-1979)

She was the daughter of Alexander Houston.

Grace married Francesco Biamonte in 1939 and he died in 1955.

She purchased the home from the estate of her Uncle Frederick Houston who had inherited the home .

She was a talented artist and many of her paintings are around Marysville today.

Grace studied at Columbus Art School, The Ohio State University (A.B.), and Columbia University (M.A.).

She taught at various schools in Pennsylvania and became a Professor in the Art Department at Indiana (PA) State Teachers College.

3. The Marysville Art League acquired the Houston House in December 1982.

They have restored the house to its present condition, thus saving a fast-deteriorating historic home that goes back to when Marysville had less than five hundred people living there.

This non-profit organization keeps the arts alive by providing lessons, classes, camps, art shows, and special events.

Grace Houston Biamonte was the last member of the Houston family to reside in the family home, living there until 1978. Many of her original paintings remain on display at the Houston House, showcasing her artistic legacy. It's uncertain how the art league acquired so many of her stunning works, but many of its founding members were close friends of Grace, sharing their passion for gardening and art as regular guests in her home. Biamonte later attended Ohio State University and became an art professor in Pennsylvania, further contributing to the world of art.

Grace Houston Biamonte

Mr. Eugene Snively

Eugene Snively, hailing from Broadway, Ohio, took a bold step at 21 to chase his dreams in art and fashion. Just two days after arriving in southern California, he secured a position the J.W. Robinson department store, unlocking a world of fashion design opportunities. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Snively hit his mark in Hollywood, collaborating with iconic studios like MGM and Paramount alongside renowned designers as Helen Rose and Edith Head. His talent graced the wardrobes of stars including Angela Lansbury and Elizabeth Taylor, solidifying his legacy in the fashion industry.

Eugene Snively was an influential artist who began a captivating series of drawings and paintings around 1955, each titled “One of the Girls,” showcasing women in historically inspired fashion. His notable work featured a flamboyant woman in a style reminiscent of the 1800s Old West, further highlighting his passion for fashion history. After relocating to Colorado Springs in 1969 he met his wife Lola, he embraced a quieter life, teaching senior art and drawing classes for Alzheimer's patients. He created impactful works which appeared at Back Pages Antiques at 21st Street and Highway 24 as well as Inking the Territory Days cover photo for the issue of the Westside Pioneer. Eugene Snively passed away on May 21, 2012, at the age of 84. Today, his original artwork can be admired at the Houston House, celebrating his artistic legacy.