The Walla Walla Art Club was started on Nov. 13, 1898, when at the invitation of Miss Elizabeth Troeger, an accomplished artist and the director of the department of art at Whitman College, ten women were given a charter to organize a club for the study of art. Among these ten were Mrs. B.L. Sharpstein, Miss Grace Isaacs, Mrs. W.D. Lyman, and Mrs. S.B.L. Penrose.

From 1898 to 1905, the meetings of the Art Club were held at the Whitman College Studio or at the homes of its members. In 1905 the Carnegie Center was built to house the Walla Walla Public Library. The club met in a room in its basement. When the library expanded, the meetings were then held at the Y.M.C.A. or the Marcus Whitman Hotel. In 1948, the club met again at the Carnegie Center.

The Walla Walla Art Club started as a program committee offering art related courses and enriching the art knowledge of its members. The club also played an active role in civic and public welfare, supporting the Red Cross, Whitman College, Y.W.C.A., and Y.M.C.A.. They also made their voices heard in front of city commissioners. They argued for more sanitary watering troughs for horses in the pre-gasoline age, brought to the public’s attention the conditions existing in the jail, and advocated for a police matron. They also worked with other groups to establish a park system in Walla Walla and advocated a public play-ground instructor, welfare work, art classes in rural schools, and childcare guidance for expectant mothers.

The club has contributed an extensive collection of books and magazines to the Public Library in Walla Walla. The club had a membership with the Archeological Society and had been affiliated with the Washington State Federation since 1901.