OUR FOUNDERS
RUTH SMITH PALMISANO 1926-2002
RUTH SMITH PALMISANO 1926-2002
RUTH SMITH PALMISANO 1926-2002
The Phoenix Artist Guild was founded by Ruth Palmisano in 1984 with the help of Pat Gellenbeck and Addie Kozel, (our first president) and it was soon up to 150 members. Ruth also founded the Arizona Pastel Artists Association in 1996 and also the Paradise Valley Art League.
Ruth Palmisano was a professional artist, who taught for 20 year
The Phoenix Artist Guild was founded by Ruth Palmisano in 1984 with the help of Pat Gellenbeck and Addie Kozel, (our first president) and it was soon up to 150 members. Ruth also founded the Arizona Pastel Artists Association in 1996 and also the Paradise Valley Art League.
Ruth Palmisano was a professional artist, who taught for 20 years in classrooms and seminars, as well as teaching art on two cruise lines from Alaska to Hawaii. Ruth juried shows and led critiques throughout the country.
She had several solo and two-person gallery shows, and judged many exhibits including the Arizona State Fair.
She gained community recognition for her work with Arizona State University and received recognition from the library of congress for her artwork and written articles on art. Ruth’s paintings have hung in many juried exhibitions and she received best of shows, best of class, and the Arizona State Governor’s Award.
She was an expert in many mediums. Ruth has been not only a mentor but also a bright, guiding light to many of today’s artists.
Ruth is terribly missed by many students as well as others whose lives she has enriched. In the year 1999, the phoenix artists guild wanted to recognize her by bestowing “the Ruth Palmisano best of show” award which continues to this day at our annual exhibits both judged and juried. Thank you, Ruth for making us all art enthusiasts.
PAT GELLENBECK
RUTH SMITH PALMISANO 1926-2002
RUTH SMITH PALMISANO 1926-2002
We lost Pat Gellenbeck on March 25, 2015. Pat, one of the founders of the PAG, struggled with health issues for several years, but we will always remember her smile and her and her husband Dan’s endless efforts to make PAG a fun and popular art league. She was active in PAG since its inception in 1984. We dearly miss you, Pat.
The PAG boa
We lost Pat Gellenbeck on March 25, 2015. Pat, one of the founders of the PAG, struggled with health issues for several years, but we will always remember her smile and her and her husband Dan’s endless efforts to make PAG a fun and popular art league. She was active in PAG since its inception in 1984. We dearly miss you, Pat.
The PAG board recognized Pat Gellenbeck with the first place watercolor award in her honor; (29 years of service on the board). This is a lifetime award.
PHOENIX ARTISTS GUILD - PAST PRESIDENTS
Cindy Chambers
Dr. John Mansour
Cindy Chambers
2022-2026
Grant Washburn
Dr. John Mansour
Cindy Chambers
2018-2021
Julie Frye
Dr. John Mansour
Dr. John Mansour
2016-2017; 2006-2007; 1996-1997
Dr. John Mansour
Dr. John Mansour
Dr. John Mansour
2014-2015
Carmen Timm
Carolyn Tolliver
Maryanne Noli
2012-2013
Maryanne Noli
Carolyn Tolliver
Maryanne Noli
2010-2011
Carolyn Tolliver
Carolyn Tolliver
Carolyn Tolliver
2008-2009
Novella Jamison
Carolyn Tolliver
Carolyn Tolliver
2004-2005
Tanya Lambrecht
Tanya Lambrecht
Tanya Lambrecht
2002-2003
Ruth Brown
Tanya Lambrecht
Tanya Lambrecht
2000-2001
Jaxine Cummins
Tanya Lambrecht
Jaxine Cummins
1998-1999
Ruth Palmisano
Tanya Lambrecht
Jaxine Cummins
1994-1995
Daniel Henry Gellenbeck, 1930-2026
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Dan was born Daniel Henry Gellenbeck to Marie (nee Martin) and Edwin Gellenbeck on January 11, 1930, in Canton, Ohio. The youngest of three sons, Dan’s childhood included the Great Depression, wartime and a community that came together to help one another in times of need while listening to war announcements on the radio.
See full obituary
Dan was born Daniel Henry Gellenbeck to Marie (nee Martin) and Edwin Gellenbeck on January 11, 1930, in Canton, Ohio. The youngest of three sons, Dan’s childhood included the Great Depression, wartime and a community that came together to help one another in times of need while listening to war announcements on the radio.
See full obituary at https://www.dopccfh.org/obituaries/Daniel-Henry-Gellenbeck?obId=46861074
Dan was a Charter Member of the Phoenix Artist's Guild and his kind and friendly presence is missed terribly.
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Jo Allebach was an inspiration to all of us. We never saw her when she didn’t have a smile on her face. She was an active member of PAG.
Jo lived in awe of nature. She grew up as an Air Force dependent moving all around the United States. She studied at Drew University, New Jersey; North Dakota State University in Fargo; Daytona Beach
Jo Allebach was an inspiration to all of us. We never saw her when she didn’t have a smile on her face. She was an active member of PAG.
Jo lived in awe of nature. She grew up as an Air Force dependent moving all around the United States. She studied at Drew University, New Jersey; North Dakota State University in Fargo; Daytona Beach Community college for Law Enforcement certification; a BS in 1995 from the University of Southern Maine; Associates of Arts degree in Graphic Design from Phoenix college.
Dr. Carl Hoelle, 1931-2024
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Dr. Carl Hoelle, 1931-2024
Dr. Carl Hoelle, passed away on January 23, 2024, at the age of 92. His contribution to PAG was unfailing and valued by all. He will be sorely missed.
Dr. Hoelle's early love was jazz music. Upon retirement at age 75, he developed a deep love for painting landscapes in oil, and earned numerous awards as a juried artist.
Patricia Hoelle, 1938-2024
Jo Allebach - January 2024
Dr. Carl Hoelle, 1931-2024
Dr. Hoelle's wife Patricia (Pat) passed away on April 17, 2024, at the age of 85, shortly after her dear husband died. They were in their 55th year of marriage. We miss her dearly.
A memorial service for both these treasured friends was held at the Arizona Artists Guild Building 2-5 p.m. on May 26 2024.