Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club Records, 1973-2007 (bulk 1994-2006)
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Organized into the following series: Series I. Yearbooks; Series II. Minutes; Series III. Anniversary Celebrations; Series IV. Correspondence; Series V. Miscellaneous;,arranged chronologically within each series.

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

The Special Collections Division also holds the following women's arts appreciation organizations' records: Lela Hamilton Women's Music Clubs Collection; Musical Alumnae Club; Records of the Twentieth Century Club; Vendredi Musicale; and Women's Musicale.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: The collection consists of records and ephemera from 1973-2007 (bulk 1994-2006) created by Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club members. Club yearbooks, printed every two years, are found for every year from 1975-2007 except 1999-2001. The years 1979-1981 and 1983-1985 are represented with a copy or draft. Minutes from monthly meetings held during 1975-2007 include meeting-related items such as programs, meditations, financial information, guest speaker correspondence and biographical/organizational hand-outs. The collection covers the years 1982-2007 with items from the following anniversary celebrations: 60th, 70th, 71st, 75th, 80th, and 85th. A strength of the collection is found in the 75th (1997) and 80th (2002) celebrations with event planning notes, invitation lists, minutes, correspondence, news clippings, photographs, formal invitations and programs. From the 75th anniversary is a guest register and information on guest speaker Wini McQueen. The 80th anniversary includes biographical information and items related to guest speaker Samuel Yette. The collection also includes correspondence spanning the years 1979-2007 and numerous miscellaneous items from 1973-2006 related to art, poetry, literature and African American culture. Some undated items such as an example of the early emphasis on needlework can be found in a tatted apron and embroidered doily.

Series I. Yearbooks, 1975-2007, 1 cu. ft.: Yearbooks were printed every two years and given to all members. Yearbooks included a listing of officers, committees, meeting information (e.g. dates, program theme, hostess), club roster with addresses/phone numbers, Constitution and By-Laws and historical facts. Handwritten notes, loose items and miscellaneous inserts were removed from many yearbooks and filed with the yearbook. Yearbooks are arranged chronologically.

Series II. Minutes, 1975-2007, 1 cu. ft.: Minutes were kept at each monthly meeting and read during the following month's meeting. The minutes often included a brief description of topics discussed, such as the treasurer's report and new and old business. The minutes sometimes included detailed information on the program guest speaker. This series also includes meeting-related correspondence, programs, guest speaker bios and hand-outs. Minutes are arranged chronologically. Items related to the minutes and respective meetings are housed in the same folder, e.g. meditations, financial information, speaker-related items (correspondence, biographical/organization hand-outs).

Series III. Anniversary Celebrations, 1982-2007, 0.84 cu. ft.: Anniversary celebrations were held to recognized important dates in the club's history. Guests were invited to attend the luncheon or dinner held at a selected venue with a special guest speaker. The event was recognized by local media outlets and photographs were made to commemorate the event. The 75th and 80th anniversaries are strongly represented with event planning notes, invitations lists, minutes, correspondence, news clippings, photographs, formal invitations and event programs, a guest register (75th) and information on guest speakers. Anniversary celebrations are arranged chronologically. News clippings are separated and housed in a flat box (Box 8).

Series IV. Correspondence, 1979-2007, 3 folders: Some correspondence examples found in the collection include thank you notes, sympathy cards, letters of recognition, letters reflecting charitable donations and membership invitations. Correspondence with guest speakers is included here unless it relates to a previously-filed meeting in the minutes or anniversary celebration series. Printed email and facsimiles are also filed in correspondence. Correspondence is arranged chronologically.

Series V. Miscellaneous, 1973-2006, 0.84 cu. ft.: Miscellaneous items related to art, poetry, literature and African American culture are located in series V. Also included are copies/drafts of the Constitution and By-Laws, financial information, brochures/information from local organizations, funeral programs, news clippings and photographs. Two undated examples of the early emphasis on needlework can be found in a tatted apron and embroidered doily. Events are represented with an invitation and program held at Tennessee State University in 1974 honoring Miss Frances E. Thompson and an art show brochure from 1979 for the works of Doris Colbert exhibited at Fisk University's Carl Van Vechten Gallery. From 1992, there is a copy of a program dedicating the Arna Bontemps African-American Museum and Cultural Arts Center in Alexandria, Louisiana Prominent African-Americans connected to Fisk University are celebrated with a collection of seven postcards from 1993-94. There are some African-American artist/history items related to and designed by Gaiete de Coeur honorary member and longtime Fisk University faculty member, Dr. Leslie M. Collins. Also, a comprehensive look at the history and contributions of African Americans can be found in two copies of "Black Legacy Calendar" printed in 1979 by Universal Life Insurance Company. Miscellaneous is arranged chronologically. Many items are undated and filed at the end of the collection. News clippings are separated and housed in a flat box (Box 8).

Cite as: Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club Records, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library

Some items may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code).

Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club,Gift;,2007.,Acc. 2007.028.

The Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club was organized on March 28, 1922, by nine young African American matrons in Nashville, Tennessee. The charter members chose the name Gaiete de Coeur, French for "Gay of Heart." Initially, they pursued excellence in the practical arts wtih primary emphasis on needlework. Anniversary parties were held with an exhibit of the members' embroidery and handwork. Over the years, the club shifted from emphasis on the practical arts to the study of all arts. The club name eventually changed to its current version, Gaiete de Coeur Art and Study Club, to reflect this shift. Every two years, a theme has been chosen for the meeting programs held September through May. Guests, often from the local arts community, have been invited to speak, representing themselves as an artist and/or promoting the arts and their organization. Often, a donation has been made to support the endeavors of the artists and organizations. The club has always participated in Nashville's civic and cultural affairs and the members historically have had strong ties to Fisk University and Tennessee State University. The club exhibited at the Tennessee State Fair in 1926. Also, the club has contributed to and supported the Van Vechten Gallery of Fine Arts at Fisk University, Cheekwood Fine Arts Center and the Cross Roads-Africa Project.

In English.

Finding aid available in repository;,folder level control.,https://assets.library.nashville.org/documents/finding-aids/Special_Collections_Division_Finding_Aid_Gaietede_Coeur.pdf.

In the possession of various members of the organization prior to being collected and donated by Jane Fort, Vice-President of the organization from 2005-2007.

Process,,2008;,Ben Melton.

Further accruals are expected.