Western academy of art

Founded in St. Louis, Missouri in 1858, and inaugurated in 1860 by the Prince of Wales, its members had the stated purpose "to form a collection of art, to establish an art school, and to provide gallery space in which artists could regularly display their work. Early members included Carl Wimar, Ferdinand Boyle, Manuel de Franca and Alban Jasper Conant." Source: Quote from AskART Joseph Meeker biography by Cynthia Seibels. Internet, "The New York Times", September 29, 1960.