The Peninsula Art League (PAL) was started by local artists Evelyn Lorraine and William Arthur Phillips (1916–1989) in the early 1980s; both were well-established artists in the Northwest region. The couple were motivated to gather a small group of Gig Harbor artists to create a local artist community, which continues to exist today as a vibrant organization with over 250 members from across the Gig Harbor Peninsula and beyond.

William taught art in the public schools of Tacoma, Washington for 30 years. He was a member of the Puget Sound Northwest Painters, and his paintings are in the Frye Art Museum in Seattle, as well as private collections. Evelyn, a watercolor artist, has works in the Frye Art Museum and displayed in collections in Europe, Japan, and throughout the United States.

Because of the couple’s dedication to learning, the focus of the PAL organization has always been about education, community, and offering opportunities in the arts. In 1986, PAL artists Mary Bessette and Donna Moen established the Peninsula Art League Summer Art Festival, now in its 39th year. The Festival is PAL’s source to fund scholarships for local high school students pursuing a career in the arts. Every year since its inception, PAL has awarded scholarships from the Festival proceeds. In 2024, PAL awarded $16,000 of scholarships to six local students. PAL also funds members learning through a volunteer scholarship program where volunteers can earn credit towards workshops and classes of their choice.

In 1988, PAL became an official non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status. The organization is still run by artists — for artists. We continue to grow opportunities for our members through donations, grants, and partnerships with other community groups.

In 2023, PAL began a wonderful partnership with Peninsula Metropolitan Parks to expand opportunities for area residents and visitors to experience and engage with art through exhibitions, workshops, studio talks, and other community events. The two groups share a common mission, and ongoing aspiration, to contribute to the creative vibrancy of our community. PenMet Parks mission is to to enhance the quality of life by providing parks and recreation opportunities for their community. PAL’s mission is Bringing Community to the Artist and Art to the Community. Together we are working to offer a variety of ways for our community to gather, experience, and create.