about the decorative arts collection
Created for the purpose of collecting, preserving and displaying decorative art, the first meeting of the DAC was held in 1982 in conjunction with the SDP Annual Meeting and Convention. Since then, the DAC has actively engaged in the acquisition of decorative paintings.
The DAC collects items of historic and artistic merit, both contemporary and antique. Part of the reason for creating the DAC was to collect contemporary decorative painting while it is still readily available. Items that document the development of decorative painting are also an important part of the DAC.
The DAC is supported by contributions from individuals, Society chapters and corporations. It is a not-for-profit corporation that has been determined by the IRS to be an exempt organization. Contributions are income tax-deductible.
The Decorative Arts Collection Awards (DACA) is a juried competition providing recognition and cash awards to creative artists. This program gains appreciation as well as acceptance for the art form. The competition is open to any decorative painter and judging is based on quality, originality, craftsmanship, creativity, artistic interpretation and size. Many of the works pictured are winning pieces of the Decorative Arts Collection awards competition. The Collection grows each year with the addition of the Joan Johnson Award of Excellence winning piece and the first-, second- and third-place DACA pieces.
The Decorative Arts Collection is housed at the Society of Decorative Painters headquarters in Wichita, KS.
For information about the Decorative Arts Collection, becoming a Friend of the DAC or to send a contribution, please call (316) 269-9300 ext. 103.
