OUR HISTORY

THE STORY OF LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER

In 1963, Ethel Motherwell gathered eight remarkable women in the small coastal community of Jupiter/Tequesta. Some were artists, others civic-minded citizens, yet all shared a vision for something greater. Known as The Art Group of Jupiter/Tequesta, Helen Butt, Cecelie Coar, Ruth Cushing, Madelain Ryan, Meredith Scott, Nan Stuart, Dodie Dubois Thayer, and Motherwell herself would become the lifeblood of an emerging art movement.

Then, in January 1964, a simple yet profound offer arose. During the open house of the First Bank of Jupiter, its president, H. Richard McCord, proposed that the bank’s bare walls be adorned with art from local hands. If the community could organize such a display, the bank would gladly provide the space. Inspired, the Art Group answered the call. From February 17–21, their first exhibition filled the bank with 83 works, judged by Mr. and Mrs. George Jenkins, well-known art instructors at the Norton Gallery. The show’s success was undeniable—a quiet yet decisive moment when a cultural legacy began to take root.

Encouraged by this newfound momentum, the group organized a second exhibition from March 30–April 3, 1964, showcasing the creative talents of students from Jupiter Junior and Senior High School. This time, the judges were Mr. and Mrs. Christopher D. Norton, whose interest in the fledgling art scene would change its course forever. The son of Ralph Norton, the founder of the renowned Norton Gallery, Christopher Norton sought to broaden the reach of this community endeavor. He envisioned a dedicated space where the arts could thrive—a place where workshops, exhibitions, and classes could be held for all ages.

Under his guidance, the group transformed the old Tequesta Post Office on Bridge Road into what would become The Lighthouse Gallery. Through tireless volunteer work and community support, this dream became a reality. A Board of Trustees was formed, and the gallery was formally established as a nonprofit with a mission to spark public interest in the arts and nurture creativity across all disciplines. The gallery’s founding principles were clear: to create, inspire, and educate—a beacon of culture for all.

Christopher Norton, affectionately known as "Mr. Gallery," became The Lighthouse Gallery’s first Executive Director, steering the ship with dedication and vision. Soon, the gallery introduced paid art instruction, beginning with the guidance of Jack Mourfield, and the membership grew to include sixteen participants. The Beaux Arts Ball, a celebration of art and community, made its dazzling debut under the leadership of founding member Bea Roberts Marsh. That first ball, with its lively entertainment and colorful guests, would become an annual tradition.

By 1965, The Lighthouse Gallery had been officially incorporated, and the organization’s growth was unstoppable. Monthly exhibitions flourished, drawing more members and visitors. However, as the organization expanded, it became clear that volunteers alone could not sustain daily operations. The solution was to hire Bette Long, a dedicated individual who started as a receptionist and later rose to the position of Executive Director.

The years that followed saw the gallery expand both physically and in its mission. The original post office could no longer contain the growing ambitions of the group, leading to the construction of a new gallery space in what would come to be known as Gallery Square North in Tequesta. On November 16, 1967, the ribbon was cut on this new home—a space where creativity could flourish like never before.

As the community’s enthusiasm for the arts grew, so did the gallery’s offerings. Exhibitions, workshops, and classes became more varied, responding to the needs and interests of a swelling membership. Each year, the Beaux Arts Ball brought together artists, patrons, and supporters in celebration of the creative spirit, while the annual Art and Craft Festival became a cherished tradition in its own right.

By 1969, The Lighthouse Gallery had established itself as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, recognized not only for its commitment to the arts, but also for its role in shaping the cultural fabric of Jupiter/Tequesta. From those first humble steps in a small-town bank to the establishment of a thriving center for artistic expression, the journey of Lighthouse ArtCenter stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community rallies around the power of creativity.

Through the dedication of its founders and the unwavering support of the local community, a once-small art group has blossomed into a vital force—a lighthouse, if you will—guiding generations of artists and art lovers toward a brighter cultural horizon.