Memories

 

Dottie Smith, who served as Art Alliance President from 1969 to 1970, played an instrumental role in the formation of Art Alliance in 1965. At that time the Riverside Art Association was housed on Brockton avenue at the site of the dog pound. The group was very active in supporting arts and arts education in the city. The organization’s president, Rudy Marcus, tapped Dottie to launch a fundraising arm to the organization. Working with other women members of the Riverside Art Association’s board, they founded the Art Alliance and held the first meeting on April 5, 1965.  Dottie served as Art Alliance president from 1969–1970 and she has served as a member of Art Alliance from its inauguration to her death in 2008. As an artist herself, she designed the Art Alliance President’s Charm, which is still given to each year’s president.  Dottie also served on the California Council for the Humanities. She was frequently recognized by various organizations:  Riverside City Council for Valuable and Distinguished Service to Cultural Arts of the City of Riverside, Junior League’s Silver Raincross Award for Outstanding Service, and Riverside Art Museum’s Top Dog Award.  We owe much to the tireless efforts of our own, Dottie Smith.

—Kathy Christmas