For nearly a century, SCAA has connected artists and community
through education, exhibitions, and shared creative experience.
a legacy of art
since 1927
South County Art Association has been a nonprofit organization since 1929. In the years leading up to its founding, prominent Rhode Islanders—many of whom were associated with the Providence Art Club—spent summers painting in South County.
In 1927, John Dawson of Wickford invited a small group of artist friends to exhibit their work. Among them were:
Hezekiah Dyer, Frank Mathewson, Hilda Anderson, Sydney Burleigh, Herbert Cross (of Cross Pen and Pencil fame), Chester Dodge, Anthony Dyer, Lee Jeffrey, Albert McCutchen, Bertha Noyes, Fred Sisson, Stacy Tolman, and Dawson himself.
a vision beyond the arts
Beyond his involvement with SCAA, Bernon Helme envisioned the establishment of a college in Kingston. He raised $2,000 from 30 individuals to purchase the 140-acre Oliver Watson Farm for the state’s Agricultural School and Experiment Station—now known as the University of Rhode Island.
a home established through generosity
When Bernon Helme died in 1944 without heirs, he bequeathed a portion of his estate to the South County Art Association. This extraordinary gift made it possible for SCAA to purchase both his home and the neighboring building, along with part of his fine collection of antiques. With this expanded space, the Association was able to offer more art instruction, longer and more diverse exhibitions, and a broader range of programs.
honoring the past, creating the future
Today, as the South County Art Association celebrates and honors the vision of the artists who came before us, we continue to build on this rich legacy—expanding artistic opportunities and strengthening our role as a creative home for generations to come.
from summer exhibits to lasting tradition
Together, they exhibited 35 works, depicting subjects that ranged from workers at the Wickford docks to nights in Gibraltar, from the Grand Canyon to the gardens of Versailles. The experience was so successful—and so enjoyable—that Dawson declared the group an association, and they all enthusiastically agreed to do it again. And again they did. The exhibitions became an annual tradition and have continued every year since.
a mission rooted in community
From the beginning, the Association’s mission was “to promote an interest in the arts and to encourage artists in Washington County, Rhode Island, and to support the aesthetic interests of the community—particularly through the production, exhibition, and sale of works of art; the presentation of lectures and discussions; and the preservation and appreciation of local colonial art.”
the Helme family’s enduring impact
A pivotal chapter in SCAA’s history began with the Helme family. Bernon Elijah Helme, a longtime member of the Association, frequently hosted lectures and exhibitions in his home at 2587 Kingstown Road in Kingston Village, where he also operated a general store and post office. The adjacent property—a former schoolhouse built in 1729—was also part of the Helme estate. Bernon’s sister, Mary Helme Hale, was an artist herself and the wife of Dr. William Hale.
honoring 100 years of creativity
1927-1928
A small group of artists gathers in South County.
1929
South County Art Association was founded as a nonprofit.
1930s-1940s
Annual exhibitions and community programs take root.
1944
The Helme family’s bequest establishes SCAA’s permanent home.
1950s-2000s
Generations of artists learn, exhibit, and connect at SCAA
2026-2027
A thriving creative hub serving over 500 artists and patrons.Celebrating 100 years in 2027.
a lasting legacy gift: the MAC Sale
Each May, SCAA holds the Annual Quality Seconds Sale (formerly the MAC Sale) during the Kingston Hill Fair, offering the community “quality seconds” of pottery made in the SCAA Pottery Studio.
All proceeds go directly to the Pottery Education Program.
The MAC Fund is a lasting example of how a few generous people created a meaningful legacy in memory of a special friend and potter. One person’s caring truly makes a difference.ce.
what does ‘MAC’ mean
The word MAC comes from the first letters of Mary Ann Carney’s name. In 1984, friends of Mary Ann established a fund in her memory, creating a lasting impact on the SCAA Pottery Program.
who was Mary Ann Carney?
Mary Ann was an active member of the Pottery Studio in the 1970s and 1980s and served on the SCAA Board of Directors. She was known for her dedication, humor, and focused energy—guiding the studio and helping ensure everything ran smoothly. Mary Ann also served as a valued conscience, keeping perspectives balanced and supporting the creative community.
What is the purpose of the fund
The MAC Fund supports the SCAA Pottery Program. Its goals include:
Award money for Earthworks
Supporting an Annual Potter Award at the Members’ Exhibition
Covering juror fees and travel expenses
Assisting with new pottery equipment
Funding pottery-related programs and fostering community involvement
Legacy gifts to the MAC fund are still welcome to support the pottery program. Contact Jen Ferry, Executive Director for more information.
Many of the artists here at SCAA are people I’ve known for years, going back to time spent here with my mother in the 1970s and 1980s. There’s a real sense of shared history, supported by a dedicated team that keeps the organization running so effectively.
—Krzysztof Mathews