The origin of our unique club is quite a story in itself……..It seems it all began back in the late 1950’s, in Akron, Ohio with a small group of professional artists belonging to the Akron Society of Artists, and one individual in particular; Joe Ferriot, artist and owner of a local Plastics Manufacturing firm, who was instrumental in the formation of the Whiskey Painters of America.

Joe, traveling extensively for his firm, and longing to paint on these trips, devised a small watercolor palette out of an aspirin box, divided with plastic strips to hold his paint and devised a screw-together brush (like a pool cue) that would fit inside this small box along with strips of watercolor paper cut to about 4" x 5" so that all would fit neatly into his shirt pocket.

After business hours were completed, Joe would retire to the nearest "Watering Hole" for relaxation and friendly imbibing. He would then remove his small painting kit, and to the delight of the bartenders and patrons, produce one of his miniature masterpieces by dipping his brush into his glass of booze, which then he would give away……..Needless to say, he was an instant celebrity, making many new friends and rarely having to buy a drink! His mini paintings, which he dubbed "Whiskey Paintings" became a sought after commodity!

Back among his cohorts from the Akron Society of Artists, he encouraged each to do likewise when they would get together for a lavation after their regular meetings. After they finished their paintings, they would throw them all into a hat and then retrieve one. Thus, having a great time and going home with a fellow artist’s painting. To encourage this, Joe had his factory design and produce mini palettes which he then distributed to his friends. This is the same palette we use today!

One foggy night in 1962 at the Tangier Night Club in Akron, Ohio, approximately 14 members met, formed a charter with by-laws, governing rules, elected a President (Joe Ferriot), Trustees and named it "The Whiskey Painters of America". Joe, served as the first President for about ten years until his business requirements forced him to step down and turn over the duties to A.H. Don Settle, who served for the next eight years. Settle then relinquished the duties to Louie Mong, who then served as the club’s third president for the following eight years. In May of 1988 Louie, citing health reasons, decided to turn over the job to L.J. Tony Cross, who remains as President to this day.

Of the original fourteen members, there are only two still living…….Tony Cross and Marc Moon.

(A) To promote the fine art of painting in miniature.

(B) To promote the good fellowship among imbibing artists.

(C) To prove to fellow pub habitués that bongo drums and free verse are not necessary adjuncts to good art.

(D) To permit an artist to enjoy two of the three greatest pleasures in life while sitting on a pub stool or a dimly lit cocktail table any place.

(E) To add interest to an otherwise dull evening.

(1) Each applicant must be sponsored by a bona-fide member of the Whiskey Painters of America.

(2) Each applicant must submit to his sponsor two (2) original, matted paintings, suitable for a maximum 8" x 10" size frame.

(3) One of the paintings becomes the property of W.P.A. and will be added to the permanent collection and displayed in the club room of the club's sponsor, The Akron Society of Artists.

(4) The second painting must be presented to his/her sponsor.

(5) Applicant must remit a fee of $25.00 when paintings are submitted.

(6) The applicant must submit his/her biography.

Each W.P.A. applicant satisfactorily complying with the above rules will receive an official W.P.A. palette and brush, an official W.P.A. certificate inscribed with his name; signed by the President, the Honorable International President, and his/her sponsor, and a booklet containing the W.P.A. Constitution and by-laws of membership requirements.

Unwritten rules require that an applicant paint a watercolor by candle light after 10 PM, smaller than 4"x5", dipping his brush in some form of alcohol. This often results in a swamp scene, a martini landscape or a mixed up fuzzy seascape.

W.P.A. members are cautioned to submit only qualified artists as applicants for the Whiskey Painters of America, as this is a very exclusive organization and the only one of its type in the world.

To view the Whiskey Painters of America's roster - click here.
To view the Whiskey Painters of America's permanent collection of paintings - click here.
To view the Whiskey Painters of America's catalog - click here.
To view the Whiskey Painters of America's show information - click here.
To view Whiskey Paintings that are available for sale - click here.