The Chanute Art Gallery opened in the Tioga Hotel on Main and Lincoln in downtown Chanute, Sunday June 3rd, 1973.

Founder and Chairman Elly McCoy announced the original Board of Directors and their positions which were: Genevieve Thompson, Secretary; Nora Knight, Membership; Mildred Donaldson, Treasurer; and Maxine McNeill, Docent Chairman. All necessary formation papers were in order, bylaws written and incorporation papers prepared. Membership dues were set at $10 a year.

Exhibits changed each month and Board Members took turns in preparing each monthly exhibit. An Open House was held for each monthly exhibit--punch and cookies were served and everyone was invited. Sunday diners at the Hotel Dining Room attended and enjoyed!

The Docent Chairman McNeill called women to volunteer an afternoon or more a month to open the Art Gallery each day and be the guide. Over 250 women have served as a Docent to date.

The Permanent Core Collection was started and twenty works of art were donated and exhibited on Opening Day--Sunday, June 3rd, 1973. Chairman Elly McCoy asked all citizens local, area--everywhere--to donate works of art to establish a Permanent Core Collection of art as the basis for an Art Gallery for the citizens of Chanute and everywhere.

The very first monthly exhibit was a collection of art by early day Chanute artist, Lillian Godden Barker loaned by Estelle and Gordon Barker. Paintings, sets of hand-painted dishes, pitchers, compotes and berry cups, hooked rugs, handmade linens equaled a gorgeous first ever Special Monthly Exhibit in August 1973.